Our Mission
At Strawberry Fields, our mission is simple but profound: To protect and nurture Nature for the good of the planet, for future generations, and for the joy of everyone who visits. Here, Nature is not just a backdrop to human life; it is a living presence with an equal voice. We believe that every tree, every bird, every patch of wildflowers deserves protection, and that humans thrive when we recognize our deep connection to Nature.
Strawberry Fields is protected in perpetuity by a legal conservation easement that limits development and prioritizes ecological health. We are committed to walking gently on the earth, minimizing harm, restoring balance, and offering others the opportunity to experience nature close to home.
What Is Strawberry Fields
Caring for the Land, Connecting with Nature, Committing to the Future
The 118-acre preserve includes woods, meadows, wetlands, and working farmland. All habitats are managed to maximize biodiversity while welcoming low-impact public use. Over 3 miles of marked trails wind through the preserve, open dawn to dusk to the public for passive recreation, free of charge. Jeff Leon, longtime steward of Strawberry Fields, personally maintains these trails with care and intention, a labor of love that invites others to explore the trail with wonder and respect.
Stewarding the Land
Jeff and Judy Leon live year-round on a 3-acre residential homestead within the preserve. Their home has operated on a net-zero carbon basis since 2013, thanks to geothermal heating, electric vehicles, other devices previously powered by fossil fuel, and three solar arrays. Native plant gardens surround the house, demonstrating how beauty and sustainability can flourish together. This homestead is both a private sanctuary and an example of how ecological choices can shape daily life. The Strawberry Fields residence and homestead is often a gathering place for family, friends, and other groups interested in a net-zero, ecologically-minded venue.
Living Our Values
Ten acres of Strawberry Fields are home to Lovin’ Mama Farm, a certified organic, regenerative farm operated by Jeff’s son Matthew Leon and his wife Corinne Hansch. Together with their children and a niece, they grow hundreds of varieties of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, using techniques that sequester carbon, build soil health, and enrich the local food system. Their produce and blooms can be found at farmers’ markets in Troy, Schenectady, Delmar, and Saratoga.
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
Every year, thousands of visitors come to Strawberry Fields to walk, rest, and reconnect in the nature preserve.
In 2024, our trail counter logged over 2,500 visits. People come to exercise, enjoy views of the Mohawk Valley, identify wildflowers and birds, and simply breathe more deeply.
Over 300 plant species and 100 bird species have been inventoried here
Wild strawberries, the preserve’s namesake, dot the sunlit clearings
Roughly one-third of the land is protected from most human activity to allow ecosystems to thrive with minimal disturbance
Whether you come to walk your dog, watch a hawk, study a fern, or stand quietly among the trees, you are welcome here.
