Farm Progress

One 10 acre upper ridge field was planted with native prairie forbs and grasses in early spring of 2019. This planting has addressed an erosion issue which past field plantings had allowed to develop. Two years of proscribed burns have been implemented. Long range plans include alley crops of elderberries and hazelnuts in the other two ridge top fields. One field border has already been planted with elderberry. The overall farm plan includes planting hedgerow fencing in some key areas around the fields and pastures to supply shade and food for farm animals and wildlife.

The comprehensive forest stewardship plan is also well underway. Part of this plan recommends the elimination of invasive species through controlled burning.  This will benefit the farm and its activities  as a whole. One aspect of the forestry plan is to support and sustain the old oak savanna landscape on two ridges. Clearing of prickly ash and other species will continue this coming season. Well planned logging of trees to open the forest canopy supports other younger trees to grow straight and healthy and assures forest wellbeing over time. Conscious tree harvesting is underway.

Natural materials like clay, straw, wood, earth and sand are honest, simple and easily obtained on the farm. Others like lime, gravel, rocks and hemp hurds can be brought in, We would like to demonstrate different ways of building with these materials utilizing old construction models such as cob and straw bale, hempcrete, earthen blocks, cordwood and shallow gravel trench foundations and earth sheltering.

To further support the participation of our membership we are first offering rustic campsites and composting outhouses in various scenic locations throughout the farm.  These will be followed by a solar and wood heated bath house with a sauna and cold and hot soaking pools and a series of small cabins and cottages.

A barn was added to an existing garage/workshop building in fall 2019.  Future plans include building an open equipment and materials storage shed and a solar kiln.  Another structure is already in the design and construction phase. When it is completed it will function as a farm center, classroom, processing kitchen, offices and visitor lodging.

In 2020 a 30’x40’ garden plot was created and then expanded by 2/3rds to accommodate more longterm plantings of strawberries and asparagus in addition to the traditional annual vegetables. Another 50’ x 62’ plot was planted with 3 different varieties of elderberry, 2 types of grapes and assorted raspberries. 

In addition an old orchard with apples, peaches, cherries and Asian pears, was  discovered tucked away on a protected hillside. It is being given a facelift over time. New varieties are joining the older trees that are coming back to life with careful pruning and care. We are also planting perennial tree crops like elderberries, aronia berry and hazelnuts and putting the final touches on rotational pastures for sheep, chickens and hogs. In the future a variety of products will be available in our farm market for our private membership association members. The store will offer the following as they come into season: medicinal herbs, nuts, maple syrup, elderberry jams and tonics, mushrooms, eggs, meat, vegetables, fruits and soil amendments.