STILLWATER, N.Y., Dec. 30, 2025 – Local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) is pleased to announce 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 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.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and Saratoga PLAN routinely partner on conservation projects to permanently protect agricultural and open space lands in line with municipal plans. Crucial funding for this project came from the county’s Trails & Open Space Committee through the Farmland Protection and Open Space Preservation Grant Program and from the town of Stillwater.
Located adjacent to Questroyal North Farm, which was conserved by Saratoga PLAN late last year, Tanner Ridge Farm further strengthens the connection of more than 1,000 acres of protected farmland in the area that pays homage to Stillwater’s agricultural heritage while supporting the local farming economy. Together with the neighboring Saratoga Battlefield National Park, these protected areas encompass over 4,500 acres of conserved land.
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 iconic red barns, visible along New York State Route 423 are a memorable feature of the landscape. “The land is beautiful here. 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,” said landowner Katie Ogden.
Tanner Ridge Farm also provides important 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 important wetland ecosystems. Permanent protection of the land not only supports the survival of these species but also strengthens community resilience to extreme weather-related events, such as flash flooding.
The conservation of Tanner Ridge Farm marks a significant 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, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN.
Through projects like this, PLAN continues its mission to steward and protect the farms, forests, and waters of the Saratoga region and the southern Adirondack foothills – now and forever.
About Saratoga PLAN
Saratoga PLAN stewards and protects farms, forests, and waters of the Saratoga region and the southern Adirondack foothills – now and forever.
Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has helped conserve over 14,000 acres of land in Saratoga County. PLAN helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands, and natural habitats, and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 13 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature study. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit, play and farm. PLAN facilitates community-based conservation by partnering with municipalities to help them accomplish their community’s conservation goals.
For more information, call 518-587-5554, or visit www.saratogaplan.org.