Green Acres

Located one mile north of Pontiac on US Highway 1, the green expanse of rolling fields and its peaceful little duck pond is treasured by area motorists as a welcome respite from the eyesores of the bustling city. Driving through these well-known curves of the country road is medicine for the weary soul.

Seven children were were born in the original farm housend a wealth of memories were made here on this land. The Monroe family has been an integral part of the Northeast community for several generations.

To preserve its legacy for future generations, Delano dedicated 95 acres of the farm into a conservation easement in an emotional ceremony held on April 28, 2008. Presiding over the dedication was Richland County Council's Vice Chair Valerie Hutchinson. "This is a very personal moment for me as well," she said. Since Val's election to the council she has been working diligently to preserve the quality of life for residents of the rapidly growing Northeast.

"Delano Monroe, today we are honoring your commitment to future generations for clean air, clean water and perpetual beauty," said Hutchinson. "Thank you so much."

Known as a Century Farm, the property has been in the Monroe family since 1884, spanning four generations. And of the seven children who were born and raised on this "home place", six of them were in attendance on this breezy spring morning.

The sprinkles of rain in the air did not dampen the emotional impact felt by everyone in attendance. Friends and family members took turns at the podium to express their heartfelt thanks to the Monroe family for their gift to future generations and reflected fondly on personal memories of times spent on the farm.

In an effort to protect our natural and historic resources so that they may be passed down to future generations, Richland County Council created the Conservation Commission in 1998. In particular, the Monroe Century Farm conservation easement will preserve the scenic road vista along US Highway 1, protect the headwaters of Spears Creek Watershed and protect sensitive wetland habitat for area wildlife.

"We are under tremendous development pressure here in the northeast," continued Hutchinson. "But these conservation easements have allowed us to preserve green space forever." Val Hutchinson is running for re-election to the Richland County Council District 9 seat in the upcoming primary to be held on June 10th.

Also present at the outdoor ceremony were numerous officials including Richland County Environmental Program Manager Jim Wilson, Conservation Commission Chairman Maxey Love,  County Administrator J. Milton Pope, and retiring House Representative Bill Cotty.

Taking the podium near the end of the ceremony, John Monroe Jr. was filled with emotion as he said, "As you get a little older, you tend to appreciate the years you spent growing up a lot more than you did at that time. I used to spend my summer's here getting in the hay and I didn't like it at all. But with time your perspectives change," he reflected. "I appreciate all my relatives for their stewardship of the land. This is something my grandmother would be very proud of."

"One thing you need to remember," John said as his voice broke, "is to please beep your horn when you leave the farm because grandma was always there watching and she would wave."

Delano Century Farm Conservation Easement

Val Hutchinson congratulates Delano Monroe.

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