MISSION STATEMENT: “To honor the legacy of Sylvia & Don Stull and their family, by creating a center for community health, education, agriculture and recreation dedicated to the principles of environmental sustainability”

Wild, Wonderful!  Officials explore potential of Stull Farm
Click here to read the Sharon-Herald news article on the Stull Farm (May 2, 2010)




WHAT IS THE STULL FARM?



Sylvia Stull was a dedicated Hermitage Commissioner for many years - almost continuously - from 1975 - 2005. Sylvia was the only child of Joseph & Barbara Carr, who moved to the small farm on Sample Road in Hermitage when Sylvia was a young girl. Sylvia and her husband Don continued to live in the family homestead the rest of their lives. Don passed away in 2004, and Sylvia in November, 2006.

In their will, the Stull's expressed the love they had for their community by giving their home and property to the City of Hermitage “to be used for a public purpose”. A committee of Hermitage residents, members of boards and commissions and city staff will be developing a plan for the use and development of the Stull Farm throughout the remainder of 2009.
 

Future of Stull Farm property mulled - Commissioner gave land to City
Click here to read the Sharon-Herald news article on the Stull Farm  (March 9th, 2009)
 

WHERE IS THE STULL FARM?


The Stull Farm is located at 4568 Sample Road in the City of Hermitage.
Click here for a location map of the property.

The farm contains approximately 40 acres of land and an existing farmhouse and outbuilding. The land is roughly half wooded and half open fields, with significant wetlands located within the wooded portion.
Click here for an aerial view of the property (taken in 2004)

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WHAT ARE THE IDEAS SO FAR?



The Stull Farm Planning Committee held one meeting in January, 2009, and will meet again toward the end of March. So far, the committee’s discussions have been about a mix of uses embracing the themes of Environment, Education, Recreation & Agriculture. Some of the specific ideas are:

• Community Garden plots - “Victory Gardens”
• Walking trails, including boardwalks over the wetlands / self-guided interpretive trails
• Organic produce / Farmers’ Market / Community Supported Agriculture
• Public workshops, such as bird-watching, master gardening, beekeeping, wildflowers
• Greenhouse for year-round growing
• Community service opportunities for school credits, scout projects, church service hours
• Protection of the wooded areas and wetlands
• “No Child Left Inside” - Environmental Education
• Community composting
• Green Charter School
• Day camp for summer recreation programs – LEAP Camp
• Adult environmental education classes and retreats
• Office space / collaboration opportunities for small non-profit groups, such as Shenango Riverwatchers, Trout Unlimited, etc.
• Any new buildings should be LEED-certified green construction.

The Committee envisions the farm as a resource to serve diverse age groups and sectors of the community by providing opportunities not currently available elsewhere in the Shenango Valley.

Some other places with similar facilities and programs are:

• Munnell Run Farm - Mercer, PA  www.munnellrunfarm.org
• Fairview Gardens - Goleta, CA  www.fairviewgardens.org
• Sisters of the Humility of Mary - Villa Maria, PA  www.humilityofmary.org/villa-farm.html
• Robert A. Macoskey Center - Slippery Rock, PA  www.sru.edu/pages/756.asp
• Goodell Gardens & Homestead - Edinboro, PA  www.goodellgardens.org

The Planning Committee is very sensitive to the rural character of the neighborhood and the impacts of any development and activities on surrounding residents. The Committee is also dedicated to creating a legacy that will be a fitting tribute to the Stull family and will preserve the essential nature of the property.

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HOW CAN THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?


Over the next few months, the Committee will be reaching out to the community as whole to solicit additional input, suggestions and ideas. The Committee will also contact various groups, such as senior citizens organizations, youth groups, area schools and disability advocates.

Articles about the planning for the Stull Farm will be forthcoming in the Hermitage City newsletter, the Herald, and other local newsletters.

Ideas, comments and suggestions from the general public are welcome. You may use the form below to comment or ask questions. You may also call the City Planning Department at 724-981-0800, or send written comments to:

Marcia A. Hirschmann
Director of Planning & Development
City of Hermitage
800 N. Hermitage Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
mhirschmann@hermitage.net

Please fill in this form to submit your comments.

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