Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher and Township Council announce the award of a lease to Springdale Farm to actively farm the Holly Ravine property. The action at the October 13 Township Council Meeting is the result of a public bid process seeking qualified farmers to submit formal bids to lease and farm approximately 9.5 acres at the Holly Ravine property, which is owned by the Township.
“We are on the verge of accomplishing something virtually unheard of in New Jersey, actually adding a working farm in a mature suburban community,” said Mayor Dave Fleisher.
The 22.5-acre parcel was previously owned by former Mayor John Gilmour and his family from the 1920s until January 2024, when the Township purchased and preserved the property from future development.
“From day one, the goals were clear, preserve and protect the site from development, honor Holly Ravine’s agricultural legacy, and provide access for public enjoyment of the open space around the ravine,” explained Fleisher. “We are achieving all of these objectives.”
The Jarvis and Ebert family currently own and operate Springdale Farm, Cherry Hill’s last working commercial farm, just 2 miles down the road from Holly Ravine. This 5-year lease is for 9.5 acres of tillable land, providing the opportunity for Springdale Farm to expand its operations in Cherry Hill, continuing its commitment to farming in our community, and adding to its long history in town.
“We’re excited to revitalize historic Holly Ravine by caring for the land there and farming it alongside the land our family has been caring for, for generations,” said Clayton Jarvis of Springdale Farm.
Since 1949, Springdale Farm has been an important part of the Cherry Hill community, as generations of Cherry Hill families and our region have cherished the farm for its produce, baked goods, market, activities and more.
“Council and I are excited for the next chapter for Holly Ravine and are thrilled that we will be able to expand farming in our community” said Council President William Carter.
The next steps for Holly Ravine will involve executing the lease agreement, allowing Springdale Farm to begin planning for the site and expand their farming operations in Cherry Hill.
In the months ahead, while Springdale Farm advances its plans for farming, designated public parking areas will be established at the site, separate from the leased farming area, so that residents will be able to enjoy the peaceful open space and natural ravine.
The Township purchased the property for $3,859,000, consistent with independent third-party appraisals. Cherry Hill is currently finalizing funding opportunities from the State of New Jersey, including the NJ Department of Agriculture through the State Agricultural Development Committee and Camden County for reimbursement for the acquisition and preservation of the property.
“It is essential for the Council and me to maintain a focus on fiscal responsibility while investing in the preservation of our open spaces. We will pursue reimbursement from all available sources,” stated Mayor Fleisher.
The 22.5-acre Holly Ravine / Gilmour Property adds to the more than 1,350 acres of open space preserved by Cherry Hill across our community. This purchase further complements recent preservation of the former Kingston Swim Club (116 Deland Avenue) and Masonic Lodge (1205 Haddonfield-Berlin Road) properties. Both locations are currently being developed as recreation facilities that will balance passive and active uses for the entire community to enjoy.
