Hunter Tree Farm a family place on the Holmes County Farm Tour
The 390-plus acres of land have been transformed over the years by the Hunter family and are being opened for the public on the Farm Tour. The Hunter farm is known statewide for promoting the growth of renewable forest resources and demonstrating exceptional environmental stewardship.
“I’m an educator, and enjoy hosting programs that will allow people to come and see the farm and witness stewardship practices. I hope that it may inspire them to implement those practices on their own land,” said Hunter.
When Farm Tour participants travel to the Hunter farm, they will be able to view firsthand reforestation/pine plantations, learn about prairie grasses, wildlife, tree identification and take part in tree educational activities.
“We are a multi-generational farm; six generations of my family have owned this farm. We are practicing conservation and stewardship practices that go over 100 years old. Our recent conservation practices will be highlighted on the tour, as well as our programs that have been implemented over the past 20 years,” said Hunter.
The Hunter farm tour will begin with an information session located in their barn, where visitors will be able to pick up a map of the property and have the opportunity to visit wherever they please on the property. Prairie grasses, reforestation, habitat shelters for wildlife, and TSI practices will all be on display.
“We will have information about reforestation, prairie grasses, and a lot more will be set up in the barn. If they want they can walk out on their own and see the conservation that is being practiced on our farm,” said Hunter. “We will have self-guided tours and family will be there to give tours, people can walk into the barn to see the programs and then be able to find where to see them on a map.”
The property will also open its guest house, Annie’s Place, for participants on the Farm Tour to go through. At the house people will see structures that are still standing from the late 1800s and will get to see the original fruit trees from the property. The house, which has been in the family for many years, is just a small part of the property.
“We thought they would be a good stop because it’s a good family place to go and it’s one of the few tree farms in Holmes County. They have a bunch of different natural trails to explore and to just be in nature, and get to know the history of the property is pretty cool. The farm tour is a whole family event, from all the little kids to adults it’s a great place to tour,” said Lauren Croskey, a member of the Holmes County Farm Bureau.
During the tour, visitors will also have an opportunity to see a log cabin, wildlife habitats, and much more. The Hunter Tree Farm is located at 12061 TR 252, Glenmont.