Shaun and Darren Hill
The
Hills own two parcels, located on both sides of Hill Road,
in whose conservation GLT has participated. The parcels provide
long-distance views towards the north (the Black Hills) and
east (Stannard and Wheelock Mountains.)
The original farm, including both
parcels, was purchased between 1903 and 1929 by the owners'
great-great-grandfather, Abner, a descendant of one of Greensboro's
original proprietors (1781), Peleg Hill. Abner's grandson/
Edward, operated the farm into the 1970s.
In 1999 GLT purchased an easement
from Edward and his wife, Jane, on a 28-acre hayfield on the
southern side of Hill Road. After Edward's death in 2002,
the VLT purchased an easement from Jane in 2004 on 73 acres
of largely open land, including the family's homestead, straddling
the road. Simultaneously the VNC purchased, in fee simple,
98 acres of northern white cedar swamp, thereby expanding
the Long Pond Natural Area.
GLT contributed to the easement purchase,
which was largely financed by the Freeman Foundation. Forty
per cent of GLT's share was covered by a generous grant from
the Stony Point Foundation, operated by John and Francie Downing.
Following these transactions, Jane
Hill transferred both conserved parcels to her son and daughter-in-law,
who in turn conveyed them to their sons, Shaun and Darren.
