As a former teacher, Rosina Wallace has spent years using her farm to help educate young people.
    
There are hopes her educational legacy outside the classroom can continue despite losing the farm.

Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbets is also a farmer. He’s highly familiar with Rosina Wallace’s use of the farm to reach out to her community.

“I don’t believe there’s probably a child that’s in or around Waterbury or Duxbury or Stowe that has not visited that farm.” Said Tebbetts. “It’s very important; it’s been a living, breathing classroom.”

Tebbetts acknowledges that it’s probably too early to say what might be next for the Wallace family.

But he’s grateful that they’ve kept Wallace Farm around for 152 years.

“In just a matter of seconds, it’s gone, so I think everyone will do what they can for them to get through the next few days and weeks, and i know the community will rally around them as a thank-you for all that they’ve given over five generations.” Said Tebbetts.

A volunteer at Thatcher Brook Primary School in Waterbury says the news is beyond devastating, adding, quote: “Rosina is one of the most caring, giving people I’ve ever met. She’s a very modest, loving person that welcomes people of all ages onto her farm even though it’s her place of business.”

Thatcher Brook’s principal says in part, quote, “Over the next couple of weeks, students and staff will be brainstorming ways to help support Rosina Wallace and her family.”