A legacy of preservation and sustainability.

What is the Greenprint?
 
The “Greenprint for the Future” was a plan to protect Pittsford’s farmland and ecological resources through the purchase of development rights by the Town. In 1996, more than 2,000 acres of open space were purchased, preserving two-thirds of the remaining farmland in the Town at that time.

In 2021 we commemorate the 25^th anniversary of Pittsford’s “Greenprint for the Future.” Through this forward-looking program, unique for its time, the Town purchased development rights to significant expanses of open countryside, thereby preserving two-thirds of the then-remaining farmland in the Town – over 2,000 acres of open space in Pittsford, preserving all of this land from development.   We'll be adding information here throughout the year - be sure to check back often!

Spotlight on local farmer Mark Green and Hopkins Farm

Among the farms the Greenprint preserved is the Hopkins Farm, comprised of approximately 350 acres along Clover Street between Calkins and Lehigh Station roads in the southwestern portion of the Town.  The farm’s main crops are corn, soybean, wheat and oats; the farm stand across from the homestead, in front of its historic barn on Clover Street, offers sweet corn, vegetables, pumpkins and squash.
 
Hopkins Farm also provides each year one of the most iconic images we associate with Pittsford, the lovely fields of sunflowers on Clover Street. 
 
Established by Col. Caleb Hopkins, an early settler who gave Pittsford its name, Hopkins Farm is operated today by Mark Greene, the son of Mary Hopkins Greene.  Mark is the 6th generation of the family to work the farm.  For many years he assisted his uncle John Hopkins in managing the farm, before assuming farm operations himself. His children Ethan and Kimberly help work the farm with him today.  The federal style homestead and farm on Clover Street dates from 1815. 
 
“Being part of the Greenprint means knowing that the land is going to be here in perpetuity” Mark said. “It takes away the uncertainty, so we can concentrate on what we need to do.  Food supply all starts right here on the farm.  You have to have land to do it.” Mark notes that our region has some of the most productive land in the country. “Pittsford’s top-rated soil types and climate are conducive to growing a diversity of crops produced for our food supply,” he said.  “It’s important to appreciate the region we live in and how important it is to preserve it.  Farms are a community asset,” said Mark. 
 
The Hopkins Farm has been a treasure in Pittsford for more than 200 years.  The Greenprint preserves it as open farmland for countless generations to come.