Downtown Greens is no longer in the red.
According to a post on the group’s Facebook page, Downtown Greens has paid off its loan for 56 acres of land on Belman Road.
“With the property paid off and under a new conservation easement by the Land Trust of Virginia, we want to be thoughtful about our next steps on the land,” the post reads. “We want to inventory all of its many assets and go through the necessary seasonal changes to bring the land back to health while we work on a comprehensive plan for its future.”
The group said that one of its first priorities will be identifying a trail for public use.
The property includes wetlands, woodlands, and agricultural land. Downtown Greens has talked about working with schools in the area and the University of Mary Washington so that they can use the property as an outdoor classroom for nature-based learning. About a year ago, a fruit tree forest of 810 trees on several acres was planted.
Another opportunity for the land is an agricultural training center intended to inspire, educate and equip the next generation of farmers. Downtown Greens says this includes the mechanics of “hands in the dirt” farming, as well as the critical components of managing a successful farm including marketing, small engine repair, food safety training, irrigation and hydroponics, digital technologies and more.
With the 56 acres, along with its the Upper and Lower Gardens, the total of protected greenspace controlled by Downtown Greens is now 58.8 acres.
