What's the Future of the Cheshire County Farm? Join the Discussion at an Upcoming Community Forum

Posted on by Hannah Grimes Staff

In July and August 2011, Cheshire County residents will be asked to join in on community conversations regarding the future use of the Cheshire County Farm and former jail building in Westmoreland, NH. For the past 146 years the county-owned farm has been county run and supported by the rehabilitative work of inmates from the on-site House of Corrections, which moved off site this past year. Under these new circumstances, County officials are working to determine the best long-term uses for this property and they are looking for community input.

The group welcomes all community members to come and learn about the farm’s past and present, and share their own ideas for the future use of the property and buildings. Six events will take place at six different locations around the county in an effort to best represent the diverse voices of Cheshire County residents:

  • Keene—Heberton Hall, 60 Winter St.—Tuesday, July 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • Nelson—Town Hall, 7 Nelson Common Rd.—Wednesday, July 20th, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • Alstead—Town Hall/Fire Station, 9 Main St.—Thursday, July 21st, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • Winchester—Town Hall, 1 Richmond Rd.—Tuesday, July 26th, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • Westmoreland—Town Hall, 780 Rte. 63—Thursday, July 28th, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • Jaffrey—Jaffrey Civic Center, 40 Main St.—Wednesday, August 3rd, 6:30-8:30 PM

Walpole Creamery ice cream will be served at all events.

  • The Cheshire County Farm and Infrastructure Feasibility Project extends thanks to the following event sponsors:
  • Cheshire County
  • Land for Good
  • Monadnock Conservancy
  • Cheshire County Conservation District
  • University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
  • Antioch University New England
  • Stonewall Farm
  • Town of Nelson Conservation Commission
  • City of Keene
  • Town of Jaffrey
  • Town of Alstead Conservation Commission
  • Small and Beginner Farmers in New Hampshire
  • Great Falls Food Hub
  • Hannah Grimes Center
  • The Rotary Club of Keene
  • Mt. Pistareen Grange #145
  • Arlington Grange #139
  • Walpole Grange #125.

These Community Conversations are a part of a Farm Feasibility Study made possible by a generous charitable donation from the Putnam Foundation and other local donors. For more information on the project or the events please contact: Libby Weiland at eweiland@antioch.edu, call Cheshire County Conservation District at (603)756-2988 ext.116, or visit www.cheshireconservation.org.