Friends of the Sangamon Valley recently acquired a 110-acre farm in Christian County.

A couple will be leaving the farm to the organization as a part of their estate plan, according to Friends President Vern LaGesse. The group plans to farm it for 15-25 years and restore it to woodlands.

The Friends of the Sangamon Valley works in nine area counties to preserve lands and protect the environment of the Sangamon River Valley.

In Springfi eld, the group maintains about six acres of property along Lawrence Avenue, known as the Robinson Woods. Additionally, the Friends have worked with the Springfi eld Park District. LaGesse said the group will soon be starting on a new project, an “open space plan,” that will look at the available open space remaining in Springfi eld that may be preserved.

Friends will soon be planning work days when volunteers may join in brushing cutting or other preservation needs this spring. The group is planning an open house at the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary near Loami in May.