Amos Funk's lifelong fight to preserve Lancaster's farmland legacy

Amos Funk, often called the father of farmland preservation in Lancaster County, spent decades protecting agricultural land and teaching sustainable farming. His work shaped conservation policies in Pennsylvania and left a lasting mark on the region's landscape.

Born on a 237-acre farm in Millersville, Funk remained tied to the land throughout his life. A Penn State graduate, he farmed alongside his son, growing and selling fruits and vegetables while advocating for soil conservation.

His influence extended far beyond his own fields. In 1974, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed him to the National Advisory Committee for the Soil Conservation Service. Closer to home, he served on agricultural committees under Pennsylvania governors William Scranton and Raymond Shafer. Four governors later appointed him to the state's Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Funk's leadership roles were numerous. He spent 45 years on the board of the Lancaster County Conservation District and 17 years as president of the Conestoga Valley Watershed Conservation District. For 12 years, he chaired the county's Agricultural Preserve Board, overseeing the preservation of the county's first farm in 1983.

Beyond policy, he educated farmers across the country on preventing soil erosion and runoff. His travels took him to farms and political offices, where he championed land preservation. Even in later years, his dedication never waned—at 87, he wrote My Life and Love for the Land, reflecting on his lifelong mission.

Funk's achievements weren't limited to conservation. As a young athlete, he set a state record in pole vaulting, showcasing his versatility. Yet it was his work in agriculture that earned him widespread recognition, including countless awards for his conservation efforts.

When he died in 2010, Lancaster County still led the nation in preserved farmland—a direct result of his decades of advocacy.

Funk's legacy lives on in the protected fields of Lancaster County and the conservation practices he promoted. His work ensured that farmland remained a priority for future generations, securing both the environment and the region's agricultural heritage.