ELK RIVER FARM: Site Portfolio

Agricultural Tradition

This portion of the 1903 plat map for Haven Township, Sherburne County, shows that the current Elk River Farm site was previously owned by Anna and H. Gaumnitz. The Gaumnitzs grew a variety of crops (wheat, oats, hay and vegetables) and grazed cattle and horses on parts of the property.

In 1949, the property was sold in a local farmer who maintained agricultural operations there until 1997 growing predominately corn and soybeans as cash crops. In 1997, the farmer retired and sold the property to a local land trust. The trust conserves land for the benefit of local citizens and manages it to promote environmental quality and educational opportunities for families and youth.