Just outside of the heart of downtown Blacksburg, a new and unconventional construction project is set to begin.
Unlike most other ongoing ventures that feature commercial construction, Blacksburg residents Jim and Heather Cowan have purchased 32 acres for a family horse farm.
The land will remain at least 90 percent pasture, Jim Cowan said. The property, as well as being in close proximity to commercial Blacksburg, will neighbor the construction of a housing development.
Karen Hoge, the previous owner of the property, put a conservation easement on the property in 1991. The conservation creates a legally enforceable land protection agreement between the landowner and town of Blacksburg, and also allows for the property to be used for endeavors such as the horse farm. The Blacksburg town council oversees the easement.
"Mrs. Hoge loved this piece of land and restricted so it would always be a scenic enhancement of the town," said Elizabeth Obenshain, executive director of the New River Land Trust.
Obenshain said that the conservation easement was a voluntary legal agreement between Hoge and the town of Blacksburg to limit the land to agricultural uses. A conservation easement must comply with the town's comprehensive plan.
The easement on this piece of property is unusual simply because of its location in the middle of Blacksburg. Normally, these properties are large farms or wildlife habitats -- not minutes away from downtown. Because of the easement, this land cannot be divided, subdivided or sold for commercial use.
"The town was very excited about this because it is a special place. This property sits on a hill that can easily be seen from many places in Blacksburg. The easement is viewed very positively and was well-received when proposed by Mrs. Hoge," Obenshain said.
The Cowans plan on building an equestrian facility that will be home to their personal horses. They also plan to lease some property so that a few other horses may be boarded. Within the farm will be a migratory bird habitat located near a second pond the Cowans plan on constructing.
"There will be a mile training-loop around the perimeter of the pasture," Jim Cowan said. "There will be typical outdoor training facilities. It will be all organic pasture and farm management practices, as well."
The barn will be made of Auz-Bloc bricks, an environmentally friendly alternative to typical constructions, manufactured out of Floyd, Va. These bricks are made of recycled wood pulp and waste products from salt and paper mills.
As Blacksburg continues to grow rapidly, this transfer of land ownership helps guarantee a slice of natural farmland setting that many Blacksburg residents love.
Assistant Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith understands that purchases like these help slow commercial growth somewhat.
"This particular land transfer is important," Hager-Smith said. "Many people don't understand the inevitability of Blacksburg growing and may misunderstand how quickly that can happen. We rely on people that can take on the responsibility of conserving the land. One thing everyone in Blacksburg cherishes is the natural setting."