A popular farm in Somers will be preserved as agricultural farmland thanks to the efforts of local lawmakers and environmental groups.

 

Stuart's Farm, known for its pick-your-own apples and cut-your-own Christmas trees, will remain agricultural land, even if its owners' children sell the 172 acres of property in the future.

 

State Sen. Terrence Murphy worked with the Westchester Land Trust, Scenic Hudson, the town of Somers and the County to raise $3 million to preserve the property, which is one of the last working farms in the area.

 

"You could see 50 to 60 houses going up here in a heartbeat. This is pristine property... God willing it will stay here to perpetuity," Murphy says.

 

The owners say the property is steeped in history, and includes a barn that dates back to 1886.

 

Owner Bob Stuart says his family's legacy and work ethic is what keeps them raising apple trees, flowers and Christmas trees each year.