The 122 preserved farms in Monroe County will soon have a new sign.

During a ceremony at Gould’s Produce on Monday afternoon, the Monroe County Agricultural Preservation board, The Monroe County Commissioners and Monroe County Planning Commission unveiled the new artwork.

The new sign is a reproduction of a painting by local artist Lee Schuler, who is a Monroe County Planning Committee staff member.

“It took me about a week to draw. I used watercolor,” Schuler said.

The red barn in her painting represents the one on the Miller farm in Jackson Township. This was the first preserved farm in the county.

“I painted the field from an artistic impression,” she said.

The field has some sort of crop in it, but she left it ambiguous instead of drawing corn, soy or other vegetables. There are flowers growing by the barn and silos behind it.

The skyline has blues, pinks and yellows blended together.

“She did a great job. I am very pleased with the signs. I hope the farm owners will be proud to display it in front of their farms,” said Carl Heckman, member of the Agricultural Preservation Board and a Polk Township supervisor.

The 122 preserved farms total more than 8,000 acres.

The original Preserved Farmland sign included the Monroe County Open Space logo. This logo is also displayed on all Open Space properties throughout the county.

This caused confusion and people were picnicking on and hiking through preserved land, said Ryan Hill, a former environmental planner who was part of this project.

“I worked with the board members and Lee to give ideas, notes and facilitate the project,” he said.

Voss Signs printed 150 signs. The 122 signs were distributed Monday afternoon. The remaining 28 will be stored for future use.

This new sign will provide the farmers of Monroe County recognition for preserving their farms.