executive director of the organization, possibilities are abundant for the farm’s positive impact on our sur- rounding communities. I drove out to Tornhill Farm on a chilly Friday to scope out the land and chat with Main about its future. A few animals belonging to the farm’s current caretaker were happy to greet us and pose for a photo. Tough the farm was mostly dormant since it was winter and because it was in the process of changing hands from its former owner to the Land Trust, Main assured me that good things are to come. Tornhill Farm has been a farm for many years. Maintained by previous owner Gary Torn- hill since 2001, the land is now protected by a conservation ease- ment and, hence, will be a farm forever. It’s a wonderful start to the East Cooper Land Trust’s re- cent expansion as an organization; just one-and-a-half years ago, according to Main, the organiza- tion broadened its reach from the Cooper River to the Santee River. Tornhill Farm was purchased with funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Grant, public money the county uses in order to conserve worth- while areas that future generations will find valuable. “Mount Pleasant is growing quickly, and we’re striving to preserve small parks and natural areas,” Main pointed
out. “We see great value in protecting rural communities.” Speaking of rural, Main mentioned that McClellan-
ville’s only grocery store is several miles away, but the pres- ence of Tornhill Farm within the community will provide an ideal source for fresh food, in addition to agricultural education. Te Land Trust anticipates a partner- ship with Clemson University, as well as the enthusiasm of the locals, to accomplish future en- deavors for the farm. Main looks forward to a community garden in the spring, for one thing, and repurposing the simple building near Highway 17 to educate the community on the importance of agriculture.
Besides a place for community education, students probably will be educated at Thornhill Farm as well.
“Clemson will likely lease the farm and maintain a sustainable agriculture program here,” Main explained. “We were looking for the best opportunity for public education since we’ve used public dollars to purchase the farm.” Besides a place for community education, it’s probable that stu- dents will be educated at Tornill Farm as well. Given the passion for farm-to-table restaurants and
kitchens all over the Lowcountry, Main feels that Clemson, along with Wando High School and Trident Technical College, could make fine use of the farm for culinary classes. Tere’s also a chance that graduate students of agriculture from Clemson could find a place to hang their hats at Tornhill Farm. “As part of the conservation easement, we reserve the right to build up to four farmhouses on the land,” Main said. “Because the farm will likely have produce as well as livestock, we’ll need someone constantly on site. We want to provide housing for students or farm managers.” After observing Main’s hands, which were decked out in
garden gloves, as well as her boots and simple plaid shirt, I asked her if Tornhill Farm is a project that is particularly dear to her. “I grew up loving nature,” she replied. “I want to know
Thornhill Farm was purchased with funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Grant.
that five generations from now, kids will have places to ride their bicycles and climb trees. It’s not just our quality of life that matters. If we love what we have here in the Lowcountry, we have to perpetuate it.”
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