Our History
The story of this Seneca County farm started with a man by the name of Maynard Stonebraker who cared about wildlife, nature, preserving our precious soils, and leaving behind a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Many neighbors remember ice skating on the ponds, catching fish, buying apples, and simply visiting to chat with Maynard and his wife, Gladys, here at the farm.
This innovative farm couple wanted to preserve the cultural and historical integrity of their farm as "a place to afford scientific research, develop conservation education, demonstrate conservation farming practices, and emphasize the conservation and preservation of trees and wildlife”.
The 80 acre farm was gifted to Heidelberg University (Maynard’s alma mater) upon Mr. Stonebraker’s death. The property was named Miller Conservation Farm to honor Sidney and Deloria Miller, who adopted Maynard as a small boy.
In 1996, Heidelberg University donated Miller Conservation Farm to Seneca Conservation District (SCD) and since then many changes have been made to better fulfill the purpose of the farm and allow the public to access its many treasures.
Maynard’s vision has been very inspiring over the years and led to more growth in 2016 when the Seneca Conservation District board of supervisors purchased the neighboring farm property to the east. The two farms combined provide over 100 acres for school field trips, farming innovations, wildlife appreciation, public recreation, and community events. The two farms were merged to form a single, unified property in the summer of 2020 and given the new name Proving Ground Farm.
Our history is embedded in the roots that Maynard planted and the SCD board and staff will continue to grow an exciting future at Proving Ground Farm! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!