The History of the Pope Farm Conservancy Land
The History of the Pope Farm Conservancy Land is part of a series of six “Stories of the Land” that the Friends group is building to offer an in-depth understanding about the lands we know today as Pope Farm Conservancy.
We encourage you to watch our “History of the Land” video series (below) to learn about what happened on this land from the mid-19th century through present day. Then, watch the bonus video of Mel Pope’s talk about the history of land ownership, and how the settlers were influenced by the lay of the land as they arrived here from Mecklenburg, Germany.
Finally, we invite you to read the document (below) entitled “The History of the Pope Farm Conservancy Land: Owners, Settlers, and Farmers.” It is a compilation of research, stories, photos, maps, remembrances, and other tidbits that has been organized by the three farms that once made up the land that is now Pope Farm Conservancy. This document was produced by the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy Education Team in 2020.
If you would like to share your thoughts or ask a question about this document, please send a message to info@popefarmconservancy.org.
Video Series: History of the Land
The Harloff, the Brackenwagen, and the Siebert families purchased this land in the mid-1850s. Learn what life was like for these early settlers: how they built their houses, farmed the land, and grew their own food.
When the settlers began clearing this land for planting their crops, they had to remove tons of stones brought here by the glacier. Learn how and why they constructed the stone fence that still stands at PFC.
The Pope farm was especially known for being home to a flock of sheep. Learn about farm life in the 1960s and 70s, and the challenges of sheep farming that included lambing season and shearing sessions.
Meet the three Popes whose love for the land led to the establishment of Pope Farm Conservancy; Art Pope, Vivian Tretsven Pope, and Betty Zoerb Pope.
The story of how Pope Farm Conservancy came to be is a bit of a modern-day miracle. Watch to find out how!
Pope Farm became a Conservancy on January 1, 2000. Aside from its physical beauty and tranquility, the heart of Pope Farm Conservancy is its mission: Education.
Hear from FOPFC members on how they use Pope Farm Conservancy and what it means to them. There are so many opportunities to learn as you walk the trails.
Watch Mel Pope’s talk about the history of the land ownership, and how the early settlers’ actions were influenced by the topography and the lay of the land.
