Open Space Institute The mission of the Open Space Institute is to protect scenic, natural, and historic space to ensure that the land is preserved for future generations. OSI does this through land acquisition, conservation easements, loan programs, and partnerships with other organizations. Roxbury Farm began working with OSI in 2000 when OSI purchased the development rights on the 150 acres of land to provide a new home for the farm. These funds greatly reduced the purchase price of the land making it more affordable. Roxbury Farm also began renting another 126 acres along with apprentice housing, a washing and packing barn, greenhouses, shop, and an office from OSI in 2000. This 126 acre piece was formerly the farm of the 8th president, Martin Van Buren. OSI and the National Park Service wanted to make sure the land stayed in agriculture while protecting its historical qualities. In 2003 OSI sold 100 acres of this piece to Roxbury Farm. It was sold under a strict easement that allows Jean-Paul and Jody the freedom to farm the land but ensures it will be protected from any development. This easement reduces the value of the land to agricultural value making it affordable for a farmer. In 2006 OSI sold another 7 acres adjacent to the 100 acres to Roxbury Farm. These seven acres will be the home to Roxbury’s washing barn, greenhouses, office, shop, and other farm structures. OSI agreed to allow this small amount of development so that Roxbury can continue to be a thriving, viable business. Through this creative collaboration of many organizations 250 acres were protected from development and made affordable for a small family farm. To learn more about Open Space Institute and to support their work go to their website at www.osiny.org.