A Passion for the Land: My Journey to Sustainable Farming
As a self-proclaimed “city girl,” the idea of trading in my stilettos for a pair of mud-caked rainboots might have seemed like a far-fetched dream. But as fate would have it, the call of the soil was simply too strong to ignore. It all started with a chance encounter in the quaint town of Pound Ridge, New York – a picturesque community known for its conserved lands, hiking trails, and horse farms.
Here, I met Tami McCarthy, the proprietor of an eco-luxe boutique called Kahlo Collective. Bonding over our mutual interests in sustainability and community, we soon forged a friendship and business relationship that would forever change the course of my life.
Embracing Nature’s Muse
As Tami and I collaborated on various workshops and pop-ups, our most ambitious project to date was the Eco-Chic Fashion Show – a community-driven event showcasing local and environmentally-conscious businesses in the Pound Ridge area. This creative endeavor reminded me that nature is my true muse, inspiring and fueling my passion for sustainable gardening and horticulture.
For the fashion show, I designed botanical couture pieces to adorn the runway models – from floral crowns and tattoos to extraordinary headdresses made with amaranth, dried alliums, and other natural elements. It was an opportunity to expand my creativity into the realm of botanical art and couture, paying homage to inspiring floral artists like Susan McLeary and Joshua Werber.
Cultivating a New Path
This experience was a pivotal moment that set me on a new path – one that would lead me to the founding of Thornapple CSA, a community-supported agriculture (CSA) service dedicated to cultivating a new generation of eco-conscious farmers. You see, my passion for sustainable gardening and horticulture wasn’t just a passing fancy; it was deeply rooted in my DNA, thanks to generations of land stewardship and farming that had been passed down through my family.
As a self-proclaimed “city girl,” the idea of trading in my stilettos for a pair of mud-caked rainboots might have seemed like a far-fetched dream. But as fate would have it, the call of the soil was simply too strong to ignore.
Nurturing Young Farmers
Much like the young farmers featured in Growing A Greener World’s episode, I was driven by a desire to make a difference in our food system. The average age of conventional farmers is approaching 60, and unless a new generation steps up to the plate, we’ll be facing a food crisis sooner than later.
That’s why I made it my mission to create a CSA service that not only provides the community with fresh, locally-grown produce, but also nurtures the next generation of eco-conscious farmers. Through apprenticeship programs and hands-on workshops, I aim to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to branch out and start their own sustainable farming ventures.
Overcoming Obstacles, Embracing Lessons
As a first-generation farmer myself, I know all too well the challenges that come with this path. Mandie Palmer, a fellow first-generation farmer from Ohio, eloquently captured the sentiment: “Overcoming obstacles can be viewed as valuable experiences. It’s difficult to make mistakes that can’t be remedied until the following grow season. It can be frustrating, but it’s rare to make the same mistake twice.”
Indeed, making mistakes is all part of the learning process – and as Mandie suggests, it’s a necessary step in becoming a better farmer. That’s why I encourage my apprentices to embrace their mishaps, viewing them as opportunities to grow and improve. After all, the rewards of farming far outweigh the challenges, from the satisfaction of eating fresh, organic produce to the joy of teaching others the same invaluable skills.
Cultivating Community Connections
At the heart of Thornapple CSA is a deep commitment to community. Much like Mandie’s CSA in Ohio, we offer our members an array of locally-sourced goods, from heirloom veggies and farm-fresh eggs to handmade goods, herbs, and even vintage finds. But what sets us apart is our pledge to use as little non-reusable plastic as possible, prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and distribution methods.
Beyond just providing a bountiful harvest, we strive to be a hub of education and hands-on learning. I regularly host workshops on everything from herbal identification and food preservation to beginner homesteading skills. And our “Kids Farm School” sessions are particularly special, as they ignite a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world in the next generation of budding botanists.
Cultivating Hope in Uncertain Times
In the wake of a year marked by fear, confusion, and uncertainty, the importance of self-reliance and sustainable living has never been more apparent. As Mandie so poignantly shared, “My peace lies within my gardens. It is there I am myself. My hands in the dirt bring new life and hope – a reminder that everything that lives is beautiful and valuable, yet like the seasons and time, it too must pass.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me. Through Thornapple CSA, I aim to not only nourish the bodies of my community, but also their spirits. By teaching invaluable skills, fostering connections, and cultivating a deep respect for the natural world, I hope to empower a new generation of eco-conscious farmers – individuals who will carry on the legacy of sustainable land stewardship for years to come.
So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a curious city-dweller eager to reconnect with the soil, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, let’s plant the seeds of a more sustainable, resilient future – one harvest at a time.
