Success Stories
Hebron Hill Farm
Problem:
Four generations of farmers had grazed cattle at Hebron Hill farm. The current owner wanted to remedy the resulting erosion and damage, along with the incursion of invasive plants.
Solution:
The owner installed cattle exclusion fencing and water troughs, then prepared and planted 1.34 acres of new riparian buffer.
Outcome:
By caring for the land and water, the landowner is protecting the land for generations to come.
Caring for a legacy
Nestled in the rolling hills of Western Albemarle County, Hebron Hill is a 4th generation cattle farm, whose owners were looking to become more involved in the conservation on their land. Partnering with Thomas Jefferson SWCD, they installed cattle exclusion fencing along with alternative livestock watering systems. This was followed by a riparian buffer to enhance water quality.
Cecilia Lappstoltz is a fourth generation owner of Hebron Hill. Their goal was to make the farm more conservation-minded. “When I was in my early 20s I decided to become more involved, and decided to start looking for grant funding opportunities to be more actively involved in conservation on our land here.”
Lappstoltz started by putting the land in a Forestry Conservation Easement, then began looking for ways to further protect the land and water. With funding from Thomas Jefferson, SWCD they installed cattle exclusion fencing and water troughs; then with funding from the James River Association they installed 1.34 acres of new riparian buffer to ensure that “we are now adequately stewarding our riparian areas.”
When I was in my early 20s I decided to become more involved, and decided to start looking for grant funding opportunities to be more actively involved in conservation on our land here.
Planting native trees in the Hebron Hill buffer area
Before and after
Above: The 584 native seedlings quickly took to their new home
Below: Cattle exclusion fencing protected the new buffer area
The owner of this fourth generation cattle farm wanted to work toward conserving the land for future generation.
About the Project
Location: Schuyler, VA
Year Installed: 2023
Land type: Private agricultural
Area of Riparian Buffer: 1.34 acres
Trees planted: 584 seedlings planted
Exclusion fencing: 2,052 feet installed
Improvements: Cattle exclusion fencing and alternative livestock watering systems, new riparian buffer
Programs used: James River Buffer Program, Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share Program
Key Partners: James River Association, Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District
Installed by: Trees planted by JRA and volunteers