On June 19th, the Board of Directors; Dave Boeck (President), Gary Bogan (Treasurer) and Doug Wickline voted to close the farm. Mike Brown voted to keep the farm open. Closing the farm was suggested on a few ideas that are not compelling and don't align with Eugene's vision. It was suggested "the farm does not offer an educational experience to students that meets the standards for schools". To the contrary, Eugene's knowledge about education made him the perfect candidate to decide what is educational. The farm provides education and exposure to agriculture as well as the plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. There are other reasons such as "lack of volunteers", "lack of visitors since Covid", costs of improvements, operating expenses, and insurance. The money Eugene set aside for the farm contradicts this reasoning.

In 2010, Eugene purchased 76 acres in Ross township, Greene County to put his dream of a wildlife farm into action. The Eugene and Dorothy Kavanagh Wildlife Farm was later established in 2011. It is a non profit entity with money to sustain for many years to come. With a masters in school administration, Eugene was heavily involved in education as a highschool teacher, superintendent then later a superintendent for vocational schools. His dream was to have a wildlife farm allowing for education to take place outside of the room all while preserving land and the wildlife. While taking a wagon ride on the trails, you might see the following out on the trails or in the wetlands: pheasants, ducks, bobcats, wild turkey, deer, coyotes, turtles and different species of milkweed. 

The wildlife farm has brought value to Ross township and the Jamestown Community. The free wagon rides have accommodated groups from all ages and walks of life to include those with disabilities, the senior population, homeschoolers and families of all sizes. Not only is land and wildlife conservation valuable, the opportunities of community service to 4-H groups, volunteer opportunities and the free wagon rides around the farm have been enjoyed by so many.

By signing you are asking the board to reconsider closing the farm and uphold Eugene's dream and commitment to education where the farm allows both children and adults to learn about agriculture, land conservation and the wildlife that inhabits the area.