October 29, 2008 - Old Colony Memorial
As Thanksgiving rolls around in America’s Hometown there’s a new reason to give thanks. Another piece of Plymouth history is forever under conservancy.
The 90-acre parcel of land, known as the Plymouth County Farm and operated by the Sheriff’s Department, has been set aside as a living reminder of Plymouth’s agricultural heritage.
“Residents can expect to see our beef herd on the way to the Cape for a long time to come. Our petting zoo and greenhouse business will continue to thrive year round,” Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr. said.
“The brilliance of the agreement,” he said, “is that children visiting our petting zoo today will be able to bring their grandchildren years from now. I thank residents and my fellow Plymouth and county officials for making this happen.”
The farm has experienced a tremendous resurgence as a horticultural center and petting zoo under McDonald, while at the same time serving as a vocational program for inmates housed at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility.
County and town officials held a ceremony Oct. 24 at the farm on Obery Street to memorialize the preservation plan.
McDonald plans to create a Citizens Advisory Board in the near future to guide endeavors at the farm.
“There are many people concerned with the farm’s future,” he said. “This committee will ensure town and county residents are represented.”
