John Hack, a long-time friend of Denton Powell, participates in the Powell Farm Preservation Preview on Thursday, March 9. His father, Andy, gifted Cranberry Township Powell’s farm as executor of his will. The township plans to preserve it as a historical site, an educational center and an active farm. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

CRANBERRY TWP — County representatives gathered Thursday, March 9, at the township’s recently acquired 150-year-old farm to make good on owner Denton Powell’s last wish — preservation.

Andy Hack, a lifelong friend of Powell’s, gifted the 71-acre farm to the township at a board meeting March 2. Hack became executor of Powell’s will after his death in 2021. The gift required an agricultural easement that guaranteed the farm would preserved.

“The township’s acquisition of this property guarantees that it will not — ‘will not’ is in bold, underlined — will not be developed, and it will remain an active farm,” said supervisor Bruce Hezlep, board vice chairman. “These covenants are legally protected.”

Hack’s son, John, said he called his father after the March 2 meeting to reflect on the decision to gift Powell’s farm to the township.