Jack Redden’s Greenwood Farm consisting of 513 acres, currently managed by Mark and John Henry, a cherished piece of our community, is currently under threat of being transformed into an industrial solar complex. However, this was never the vision Jack Redden had for his land. In his lifetime, he was dedicated to preserving his family farm, ensuring that the land remained picturesque, lush and bountiful and a vital part of our local agriculture landscape. His legacy and express wishes were to maintain his "beloved Greenwood farm" as it states in his will, as a showplace, to be nurtured and cared for.  

The decision to turn this farmland into a solar facility undermines Jack's intentions and disregards the profound connection that the land has with our community and its history. By converting it into a solar complex, we strip away not only a piece of agricultural heritage but also the livelihood of farmers who've worked hard to sustain its health and productivity. It also changes the landscape North of Oakland from seas of green into an industrial complex of chain link and solar panels. It will forever be a blemish on the beautiful landscape that we all call home. 

We strongly urge the Eastern Illinois University Foundation, who inherited the property from Jack, to honor Jack Redden’s vision for his land and protect Greenwood Farm from being converted into an industrial solar complex. By doing so, we are not only honoring the donor intent but respecting a legacy, safeguarding the farming community and preserving productive agricultural land for future generations.

Please sign this petition to stop the conversion of Greenwood Farm into an industrial solar complex and protect the heritage of our community.