Beloved Athens-Area Farm Protected Forever, Strengthening Local Food Supply

WINTERVILLE, Ga. — Today, The Conservation Fund and Athens Land Trust announced a beloved farm that has long helped feed the Athens region will remain farmland forever. Woodland Gardens Organic Farm has been permanently safeguarded, ensuring it will continue providing fresh, local food for generations to come. 

The protection of this 48-acre farm represents a major step forward for the region’s food security, economy and quality of life. Known for its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers, Woodland Gardens is a cornerstone of the Athens-Clarke County local food system, supplying residents, markets and restaurants with healthy, locally grown products. 

“This is about more than saving one farm — it’s about protecting a way of life that communities depend on,” said Justin Nickelson from The Conservation Fund. “Farms like Woodland Gardens provide fresh food, support local jobs and connect people to the land. Protecting them ensures those benefits continue for our children and their children.” 

With this milestone, Woodland Gardens becomes the second farm protected by The Conservation Fund in partnership with Athens Land Trust. The Conservation Fund’s Farms Fund program is designed to keep working farms in production while helping farmers put down permanent roots. Longtime farm business manager Celia Barss and partner John Cooper now own the land they have helped steward for the past two decades, securing its future as a productive farm. 

Athens Land Trust played a critical role by placing a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the property, guaranteeing the land will remain dedicated to farming. This protection helps ensure that land near fast-growing communities like Athens is not lost to development, preserving access to fresh food and open space. Protecting working land is an integral part of Athens Land Trust’s mission to preserve, protect, and strengthen communities through the stewardship of land for affordable housing, conservation, agriculture and economic development.  

“Local farms like Woodland Gardens are essential to what makes Athens a great place to live,” said Joe Barbaree from Athens Land Trust. “They are the cornerstone of our food system, support local jobs and give people a direct connection to where their food comes from.” 

Across the country, millions of acres of farmland have been lost to development in recent decades — particularly near growing cities where demand for land is highest. The Conservation Fund’s Farms Fund program is working to reverse that trend by protecting at-risk farms, supporting farmers and creating a lasting source of fresh, local food for nearby communities. 

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.