41-Acre Stillwater Farm Permanently Protected

STILLWATER — Local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) recently announced the permanent conservation of 41 acres of land known as Tanner Ridge Farm, located in the Town of Stillwater. 

The property, currently owned and operated as an equine boarding and training facility by Katie Ogden and Matthew Harris, will now remain agricultural land forever through a conservation easement which will be held by the Town of Stillwater.

Tanner Ridge is located adjacent to Questroyal North Farm, which was conserved by Saratoga PLAN late last year. These two properties, along with the neighboring Saratoga Battlefield National Park, encompass more than 4,500 acres of conserved land.

The farm sits within Saratoga County’s Agricultural District No. 1, which includes the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. Established under New York State’s Agricultural Districts Law of 1971, these districts are designed to encourage the continuation of agriculture.

In addition to its agricultural value, the conservation easement preserves the area’s scenic views. The project protects views from Saratoga Battlefield National Park, as well as from nearby roadways. The farm’s red barns, visible along New York State Route 423, are a feature of the landscape. 

“The land is beautiful here,” said landowner Katie Ogden. “I know that most of the surrounding farms leading to the battlefield are now conserved in some way. As the area grows, I have peace of mind knowing that this land will remain undeveloped. Growth is a good thing, but so is conservation. It’s a balance, really. It was very important to me that if I moved on, this place would remain farmland.”

Tanner Ridge also provides environmental benefits. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the property contains habitat with the potential to support monarch butterflies, bald and golden eagles, 19 species of migratory birds, and wetland ecosystems.

The conservation of Tanner Ridge Farm marks a major milestone for Saratoga PLAN, as it becomes the 33rd farm protected by the nonprofit conservation organization since its founding in 2003. 

“Saratoga PLAN is proud to have been able to work with the town of Stillwater to help Katie and Matthew conserve their beautiful farm and ensure the land continues to provide all the environmental, economic, and community benefits for generations to come,” said Rob Davies, Saratoga PLAN’s executive director.