Geer Family Protects West Fairlee Farm
Pete Geer looking out at the land he loved
After Pete Geer bought a West Fairlee hill farm in 1973, the place quickly became a beloved gathering spot where his children, grandchildren, and family friends made cider and maple syrup and enjoyed outdoor time together.
With long frontage on the Ompompanoosuc River, the open grassland and wet meadows that Pete enjoyed caring for, and wooded slopes rising more than 700 feet above the rural village, these 190 acres are both iconic and resilient. Three different threatened and endangered species have habitat on or near the property. So when Pete’s now far-flung family discussed plans to pass it to new owners, they were certain it must be conserved. The Geer family will now begin looking for a farmer with the passion and energy to build a diversified agricultural enterprise at the edge of West Fairlee village.
When UVLT Vice President of Conservation Peg Merrens shared the news with West Fairlee Conservation Commission Chair Peggy Willey, she exclaimed, “This is wonderful news. So proud of everyone’s work at UVLT in this especially beloved area of town. Thank you, Peg, this has made my Christmas!”
Pete’s daughter Judy admires a barn that stood for generations,
A watercolor by Judy’s daughter (Pete’s granddaughter) of the same barns.
