The 62-acre Gorski Farm, which is located along Cedar Lane in Wrightstown Township, is now protected in perpetuity. Adjacent to two other preserved farms, the preservation of the Gorski Farm creates 151 continuous acres of active farming and will help assure that farming continues as a robust land use in this part of Bucks County. Its preservation results from the hard work of Wrightstown Township and Heritage Conservancy, with funding from the Township, the 1772 Foundation and Bucks County.
The Gorski Farm was originally used for growing vegetables and raising pigs. The vegetables were trucked to Philadelphia for sale and then scrap food from restaurants in the city was picked up on the return trip to use to feed the hogs. The needs of the farm evolved, and today, much of the land is leased for grain production, including corn and soybeans.
When a property is preserved, we are not only preserving its natural resources but its memories as well. And there is certainly no shortage of memories to be preserved on the Gorski Farm. The farm has been in the family since 1929, when Maryann Gorski purchased the property after her husband passed away. Maryann raised her four children—Joe, Walter, Sophia, and Stephanie— on the property, followed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who also were raised on or near the farm. Generations of Gorski family members have this homestead in their blood, and its preservation honors a rich heritage and a close-knit family unit.
Life has always revolved around the farm for the Gorski family. Just one example that speaks volumes to its importance is when, in the early 2000s, there was a dilapidated, old tractor shed that was falling down on the farm and needed to be removed. Similar to an old fashioned barn raising, the entire family—brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins—gathered one Saturday to tear the building down, clean up the area and have a huge family picnic. It is memories like these that are deep within the farm’s soil.
Because of its active farmland with prime agricultural soils, its forested and natural habitat areas, and its 1,800-foot scenic view along the road, the Gorski Farm was a high priority for Wrightstown Township’s Open Space plan. Goals of the plan include protecting rural environment, protecting views, preserving open lands for farming and environmental protection, and supporting and encouraging the continuation of farming—all of which the Gorski Farm meets.
“Any land permanently preserved in Wrightstown Township helps to maintain the rural character so important to the community,” said Jane Magne, Supervisor Vice Chair of Wrightstown Township. “In addition, the Gorski family has been so intertwined in the history and fabric of Wrightstown Township for nearly the last century. They have now given the community the gift of preserving their family farm. “
The preservation process of the Gorski farm took more than two years to complete, and Heritage Conservancy, Wrightstown Township, and Bucks County will co-hold the conservation easement on the property. This partnership means that there are three sets of eyes to oversee and uphold the easement; if there is ever a challenge to it, Heritage Conservancy will stand with the Township and Bucks County to protect it.
Heritage Conservancy facilitated extra funding to further resources for this project by acting as liaison with the 1772 Foundation. This extends Wrightstown Township’s open space fund and allows it to pursue additional preservation properties.
The Gorski Farm highlights the importance and strength of partnerships in achieving preservation successes. Heritage Conservancy is pleased to have played a part in preserving such a worthwhile agricultural property and the family history that is tied to it.