Farms, Woodlands, and Eco-Tourism

This confluence of ecotourism, cultural tourism, conservation, and working landscapes has visitors staying longer. The resulting increase in revenue opportunities extends to artists, cultural and educational venues, and retail and visitor service establishments.

The Farm School in North Orange brings in students from all over the country and the world to provide on-site experience in what farming actually entails and how food – animal and vegetable – is actually produced. The Farm School has expanded greatly over the last decade, adding an area of land approaching a thousand acres to the protected open land in active agricultural and forestry use. In addition there are a number of small farms, maple sugar operations and farm stands, all of which add to the open space, local self-reliance and general well being of the town.

Promoting linkages between the arts, culture, the environment and recreation, along with the events of their associated groups was a key strategy in revitalizing the local economy.