Fuller Farm Returns to Its Roots

When she sold her land for conservation in 2012, Barbara Fuller told the Barnstable Land Trust that she wanted to see the land kept as farmland. “People don’t know where their food comes from anymore,” she lamented. Now, the land will return to its agricultural roots. Barnstable Land Trust is beginning to implement their vision, which includes permaculture gardening and education, as well as creating a pollinator field. The land trust is also looking for opportunities and partners for sheep or other livestock grazing.

The old Fuller Farmhouse came down recently, after several years of efforts to find funds to restore it. Now the land trust plans to bring the property back to its historic agricultural use. “We’re so happy to be able to fulfill our commitment to the Fuller family to keep the land undeveloped, and now to help realize Barbara Fuller’s vision of helping people connect to the land and the food it can provide,” said Janet Milkman, Barnstable Land Trust’s Executive Director.

“We’re delighted to be able to open this iconic landscape of rolling hills and fields to the community once again,” said Beth Odence, BLT Board member.

The property includes 22 acres of fields and forested land, with walking trails throughout. The trails are open to the public. According to the land trust, plans are underway for improved parking, signage and kiosks to share the history of the Fullers, their farm, and their role in the community.

BLT has a partnership under development with an organization to build a permaculture garden and hold educational workshops. They are also looking for a partner who is interested in using land for grazing. Interested parties should contact Kelly Barber, BLT’s Director of Land Stewardship at Kelly@blt.org.