Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Hosting the Small Farm Dream, March 11 and 25

Last fall, the Local Food Project presented “Exploring the Small Farm Dream”—a course that led aspiring farmers through the decision-making process and helped them determine if starting an agricultural business is right for them. In March, we’re providing the same opportunity for landowners—those who are interested in hosting a small farm project on their land, but don’t want to do the farming themselves.

Through class exercises, discussion, research, and gathering insights from local landowners and farmers, participants will move toward deciding if a creative lease arrangement will meet their land-use goals. The course will take place on two Wednesday evening sessions (March 11 and 25) from 6:30-9 p.m. at Airlie Center. An optional networking reunion on April 2 will allow landowners to meet emerging farmers, other landowners, and helpful community resource people. Class size is limited to 24 participants, so register today!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Staking out the Fence Line

It’s time for the Local Food Project garden to get a new fence. Along with two local farming friends, we spent a day clipping snap ties from posts, rolling up electric fence line, and clearing vines from the black mesh deer fencing. We’ve staked out the boundaries for the new fence, which will include the hoophouse and compost piles, along with more space for future garden expansion. We’re also excited about putting up a new main entrance, which will draw visitors in with an inviting shaded arbor.