History of Cedar Ledge

Ken Cone bought the house and acreage from his grandparents in 1971, after being discharged from the US Navy. At that time, the approximate 80 acre property, was mature northern hardwood. In 1979, Ken and his wife Mindy had the mature saw timber harvested.

The Cones were contacted by the CT Tree Farm Committee in 1982 with the possibility of becoming a Certified Tree Farm. This involved an inspection by a UConn extension service forester. The Cone Family became CT State Tree Farm No. 393 January of 1983. Cedar Ledge Tree Farm was born!

The Cone Family managed their farm for timber, wildlife and recreation. They have hosted walking tours for Tree Farmers, Cub Scout and Girl Scout groups. Somewhere in there Ken thought he'd plant a few Christmas trees. Mindy thought that was a good hobby for Ken. Little did she know what was to come...

Ken began clearing part of the forest in 1983. The first Christmas trees were planted in 1984 with guidance from their membership in the CT Christmas Tree Growers Association. All of our determination and hard work came to fruition in Christmas of 1992 when Cedar Ledge Tree Farm had its first harvest and sales.

During the ensuing years, the farm grew and wreaths, garland and a Christmas shop were added. We now have 12 acres of the 80 planted in Christmas trees. Approximately 10,000 to 12,000 trees.

Ken was awarded the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, 1990, for the State of Connecticut. It takes on average 8 - 10 years to grow a Christmas tree. We plant more trees every spring.