By Amy Nathanson, University of Massachusetts Amherst

When I spoke to Leon Ripley, four themes came to mind: history, diversity, sustainability and community. The Ripleys first settled in Granville in 1812, and by 1840 had purchased two additional farm properties for a total of several hundred acres. Since then they have also acquired additional land in Blandford. Their land is used for a variety of purposes including agriculture, timber harvesting, recreation and wildlife habitat.

Leon Ripley represents the sixth generation to farm this land. His wife Joyce and their three sons help run the farm. Though parts of their land have been used for agriculture since 1812, the kinds of agriculture have changed and evolved. In the past the Ripleys raised cattle for oxen and later for dairy. However, when the dairy barn was destroyed by fire in 1974 Mr. Ripley decided to diversify the farm. Currently their operation includes cattle grazing, hay mowing, blueberry picking and maple syrup production. They also have a cross-country ski business (including lessons and equipment rentals) and a pancake breakfast on the weekends.

“We went into cross-country skiing because we were looking for a way to utilize the property so we could continue to own it,” Mr. Ripley stated. “We developed the trails that we already had into a more mixed-use format.” The Ripleys groom and manage the snow throughout the winter so that visitors will have good conditions. Though this winter’s weather has created challenges for trail maintenance (there have been six ice storms so far), they’ve had over 1500 visitors in 2008. This is the 23rd year that they have offered cross-country skiing on the farm.

In the 1970s Mr. Ripley undertook some sugarbush management, thinning existing trees and establishing a new bush. He continues to improve his maple sugar operation with new investments. In 2005 they received a farm viability grant that they used to update their sugarhouse with a new reverse osmosis machine. They also installed a vacuum pipe system to collect sap from their maple trees. The installed tubing can be pressure-washed in place, and has a life expectancy of 10-15 years. In the spring the Ripleys conduct tours of their maple sugar operation.

The Ripleys also have a long history of forest management. “We did forest management since the early 1900s on our own,” Mr. Ripley stated. In the 1940s they had a Soil Conservation Service (SCS, now Natural Resources Conservation Service -- NRCS) plan. They have been in Chapter 61 (current use tax program) since the early 1970s. For the first twenty years they had a forest management plan. Currently they have a stewardship plan that they created approximately ten years ago. The Ripleys have been managing their land for forestry and farming for over 60 years.

“We try to be good stewards of the land,” Ripley says, “But the bottom line is you need to make it viable and profitable to make it succeed.” Their forest management includes harvesting, usually for cordwood. The Ripleys also create trails, diversify habitat for wildlife, and utilize the forest for hunting and fishing. They are also currently working with NCRS through their Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to create and enhance diverse habitat for wildlife. In 2000 they won the Tree Farmer of the Year award from the Massachusetts Forestry Association for the active and sustainable management of their forest lands.

The Ripleys are also very active members of their community. For the past twenty years they have run agricultural tours for local schoolchildren. Leon is also president of the Hampden County Farm Bureau, which presented him with the John Ogonowski Award to recognize his service to the Farm Bureau and the agricultural community throughout Massachusetts.

The Ripleys are committed to managing their land sustainably into the future.

“The thing I want to stress is that my dad taught me to manage the forest and utilize the forest products to the best use and the best of our ability and we’ve basically done that since I was a kid,” Mr. Ripley said.

“And I’ve taught my boys to do the same.”

- Click here for more information about Maple Corner Farm

- Click here for cross-country skiing information

- Click here for more information about the Ripley's Massachusetts Forestry Association Tree Farmer of the Year Award

Above: Three generations of Ripleys. From left to right: Leon, Lilie, David, Joyce, Matthew. Below: Scenes from Maple Corner Farm.