Lynd Fruit Farm has bought 74 acres at 10503 North St. in Utica for $1.76 million, acquiring farmland it says could be restored as habitat rather than developed. The Licking County Auditor’s records show the sale closed Aug. 26. Lynd was the highest bidder at a July auction conducted by Bauer Realty & Auctions, with bidding records listing its winning bid at $1.6 million. At least 13 entities participated in the bidding. The farm announced the purchase Oct. 9 but has not laid out a detailed plan for the property. In a social media post, the family business said the land has potential for wetland and prairie restoration, biodiversity and environmental education. It also said it hopes the site can provide resources and seed to support habitat restoration elsewhere. The property consists of three parcels: a 63.9-acre area of farmland and two parcels of about five acres each. One of the smaller parcels contains the property’s only building, a ranch-style house built in 1960; the other was described by the auction company as suitable for residential use. The auction drew interest from bidders seeking different combinations of parcels. Records indicate one competing bidder wanted only two parcels, while Lynd ultimately purchased the full site. The acquisition comes amid rapid growth and development proposals in Licking County. The county has been promoted as part of Ohio’s “Silicon Heartland,” following Intel’s 2022 announcement of a planned $28 billion chip-manufacturing project and the expansion of data centers in nearby New Albany. Those proposals have prompted debate over how to balance investment with the region’s rural character. Lynd Fruit Farm, founded in 1919, operates three apple orchards at its main farm on Morse Road in Pataskala.