The development rights to 22 acres of the Cedar Ridge Farm in Bedminster have been purchased by a partnership of local and state agencies and a non-profit.
BEDMINSTER - Every December, Cedar Ridge Farm becomes a local landmark when an evergreen tree decked in colorful lights is placed in the center of a large hayfield along Lamington Road.
"The farm with the Christmas tree in the field ... that's how I describe where I live to people," said Ryder Sollmann Ziebarth, whose family has owned the farm since 1945.
The holiday tradition was started by her husband, Michael, shortly after the couple took over the farm 20 years ago, according to a news release from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Community members welcome the sight; the Ziebarths get notes in their mailbox thanking them for adding cheer to winter nights.
But the farm is just as beautiful in the summer, when the field is a swath of green. "We grow wonderful hay," said Ryder.
The hayfield, and another behind it, will stay agricultural in perpetuity, now that Ziebarths have preserved nearly 22 acres of their farm by selling the development rights. Details about the purchase price of the development rights were not available.
"Preserving the front and back fields felt right to us," said Ryder Ziebarth. "I could not imagine ever having something built in that front field. It would just change the face of Bedminster."
Famous N.J. horse farm is preserved
The farm was preserved on Tuesday by a partnership led by New Jersey Conservation Foundation and consisting of Bedminster Township, Somerset County, the State Agriculture Development Committee and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.
"Somerset County is pleased to have partnered with New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the Township of Bedminster to preserve the Ziebarth Farm," said Somerset County Freeholder Mark Caliguire, open space liaison. "This farm is a valuable addition to the county's preserved farmland inventory, which now exceeds 8,500 acres, and provides the potential for the extension of a farm belt across the northern portion of the county.
"We look forward to our continued partnership with New Jersey Conservation Foundation in preserving farmland and enhancing the industry of agriculture in Somerset County."
The farm is the second in the township to be preserved this year. The township's famous 172-acre Lana Lobell horse farm, a local landmark since its days as a breeder of champion harness racehorses, was preserved in February.
In June, the remaining 4.5 acres of a 78-acre acquisition of land in the Sourland Mountain Preserve at the borders of Somerset and Hunterdon counties was announced.
The development rights of an additional 100 acres of the landmark Hill & Dale Farm in Hunterdon County was also completed in May.
Cedar Ridge Farm is near the preserved Harms and Piedilato farms along Lamington Road, and close to the township's River Road Park.
"We are pleased to see another landmark property preserved in western Bedminster," said township Mayor Steven Parker. "The Ziebarths have been responsible stewards of their land and we are fortunate that parcel will stay that way for generations to come."
'Idyllic Place'
Cedar Ridge Farm was once part of the Richard Whitney estate, which encompassed about 1,000 acres. Ryder Ziebarth's paternal grandparents, Carl Henry Sollmann and Adele Sollmann, bought the farm in 1945 and raised their three children - Carl, Robert and Elyse - there.
Succeeding generations also made the farm their home. "It was a place where all the family came. Everybody loved being on the farm, especially in the summer," Ryder recalled. "It was an idyllic place to grow up."
More land added to Sourland Mountain Preserve
Over time, she said, the family sold most of the original 358 acres but kept the heart of the farm: a historic farmhouse dating back to 1745 and surrounding barns, cottage, outbuildings, orchard and fields.
Ryder and Michael Ziebarth bought Cedar Ridge Farm in 1996 after the death of her uncle, Carl Sollmann, a local historian who lived there for many years after his parents passed on. The Ziebarths raised their daughter, Lizzie, there and completely renovated the farmhouse.
"It was a labor of love," said Ryder Ziebarth, who is writing a memoir of the farm. Another future project she envisions is renovating the farm's large barn.
Preservation Partnership
"We're pleased to partner with New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the preservation of this farm," said Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher, who chairs the State Agriculture Development Committee.
The farm was preserved with funds from New Jersey Conservation Foundation's grants from the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Somerset County will hold the easement on the 22 acres.
"We're very excited to help preserve Cedar Ridge Farm," said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "It's is located at the gateway to rural Bedminster, and the sweeping views of the fields are an important part of Bedminster's scenic character."
State Conservationist Carrie Lindig added: "The Natural Resources Conservation Service is glad for every opportunity to partner with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to protect New Jersey farmland, but we are especially pleased to assist with preserving Cedar Ridge Farm. Eighty-five percent of the soils on Cedar Ridge Farm are classified as prime soils.
"By putting a conservation easement on the farm, the Ziebarth family is ensuring that this important resource will be available to produce food and fiber for future generations."