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Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) recently partnered with Blackberry Meadows Farm to host a field day to showcase power of agricultural conservation in Allegheny County. Through collaboration with the farm’s owner-operators, ACCD staff highlighted how programs, funding, and landowner-driven initiatives can enhance farmland health and build ecological resilience.


 

A Commitment to Sustainable Stewardship

Greg Boulos and Jen Montgomery, owner-operators of Blackberry Meadows Farm, have been dedicated stewards of this land since 2008. Both graduates of Slippery Rock University with degrees in sustainability, Greg and Jen are passionate about ensuring that their agricultural practices are in harmony with the environment and community they serve. Their 75-acre, certified organic farm, located between Natrona Heights and Fawn Township, supplies fresh pork, eggs, produce, and more to the local area through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, online sales, and an on-farm shop.

Partnering for Conservation

Since 2019, Greg and Jen have been committed to preserving their land through the Farmland Preservation Program in partnership with ACCD. Blackberry Meadows has become a key participant in ACCD’s Nutrient Management and Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), working to protect critical soil and water resources and build a more sustainable future.

Conservation Efforts at Blackberry Meadows

The field day provided a firsthand look at the specific conservation efforts in place at Blackberry Meadows, including:

Spring Development 

One of the farm’s notable conservation efforts has been the development of a spring for rotational grazing. Initially, an undersized spring led to uncontrolled water runoff in a key pasture area, reducing usable pasture space. Through ACAP funding, a newly developed spring now controls the water flow, making rotational grazing viable once again and improving pasture health.

Heavy Use Areas 

Raising pastured pork can lead to erosion challenges, particularly in sensitive areas. Blackberry Meadows will address this issue by installing two animal heavy use areas, designed to prevent erosion and allow sensitive areas to recover. These designated zones help reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable land use.

Nutrient Management 

In 2023, Blackberry Meadows joined the Act 38 Nutrient Management Program as a Volunteer Animal Operation. This proactive step supports responsible nutrient management, helping the farm optimize soil health and crop yields while saving costs. It also provides liability protection, safeguards against civil penalties, and opens the door to additional funding opportunities.

A Model for Sustainable Agriculture

The partnership between ACCD and Blackberry Meadows Farm shows how conservation districts and local farms collaborate to create lasting environmental impacts. Through sustainable practices, farm stewardship can benefit both the land and the community, creating a model for future generations of farmers in Allegheny County.