Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Partners to Restore the Dickson-Murst Farm

The Conservation Foundation has received an incredibly generous $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley for repairs and painting of the buildings at our Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery.

Many of the Dickson-Murst Farm’s buildings date to the 1860s, and despite being meticulously cared for by the Dicksons and the Mursts while it was still in the family, and the blood, sweat and tears of our volunteer Dickson-Murst Farm Partners since we became the farm’s owners, time is taking its toll. 

Most in need of some tender loving care is the 150-year-old barn.  At first sight, the massive red structure is a stunner, but if you look a little closer you can find some rotted posts and support beams, windows in need of reframing and rebuilding, and places that need a good coat of paint.  The Dickson-Murst Farm Partners had already begun some of the needed repairs using funds they raised selling food at Farm events, but it takes a lot of hot dogs to equal $10,000!  This grant is a HUGE financial boost toward the restoration of this beautiful old farm, one of the best examples around of the area’s agricultural history. 

The Dickson-Murst Farm is located on 4.5 acres and showcases sustainable initiatives such as renewable energy and native gardens while preserving the rich farming history of the region.  Several staff members of The Conservation Foundation have their offices in the farmhouse, and the Dickson-Murst Farm Partners open the farm to the public each year at events like Day at the Dickson-Murst Farm.  It’s a real community treasure, but it could also be a real money pit if partners like the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley did not step forward to help us maintain it.  We thank them sincerely for helping us keep the Dickson-Murst Farm in tip-top shape.
 

Click here to learn more about the Dickson-Murst Farm.
 

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