Metrowest Lifestyle

You often here complaints about a lack of community in suburbia, and you also hear complaints about the noise and commotion in urban settings. Today as I sat at the Stearns Farm CSA Orientation, I realized that Stearns Farm offers a suburban/urban haven.

Joining this CSA is actually a lifestyle choice as it is propelling my family into the world of agriculture, nature, and community. Gathered under a variety of beautiful trees, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and children ranging in age from very young to seasoned listened to the volunteer coordinator explain how the CSA works. We listened to directions about picking strawberries and herbs, weighing our greens, free share of seconds (veggies that taste good, but take more time to prepare due to their growth/appearance), and trades. We also heard about the education garden that has plants that date back to the 1700's when the farm started, the delightful children's garden, and the Sudbury Valley Trustees trails that circle the farm fields.

I mentioned the large number of educational events planned for the summer (see below), and heard about a few more that we might include such as a cooking class, soap making, and education events for children. I can't wait to spend some summer days at the farm drawing, writing, and walking through the beautiful fields and forests tucked away in northern Framingham, Massachusetts on the border of Marlborough, Sudbury, and Southborough.

If you're still curious about Stearns Farm CSA and looking for an urban/suburban haven this summer, consider buying and or sharing a share. Membership in this organization is a chance to enrich your healthy lifestyle and belong to a beautiful, natural space amongst the busy-ness of life in the suburban/urban Metrowest region.

STEARNS FARM CSA SUMMER EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

JUNE 2016

Saturday, June 11, 11am-12pm

All You Need to Know about a Shovel & Hoe

Learn to select, use (ergonomically), maintain and sharpen these two primary gardening tools, and possibly a few others. Bring your shovel or hoe with you! With Brian Huckins of Huckins Forge. $5.00 Donation. RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/GZY5FVGQNZ

Thursday, June 23, 6:30pm -7:30pm

Farm-Fresh, Healthy Snacks

Learn to prepare farm-fresh, healthy snacks with Chop Chop magazine’s special projects associate, Abby Reich. $5.00 Donation. RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/cs0mhnpmwj

JULY 2016

Tuesday, July 12, 6pm – 8pm

Foraging at Stearns Farm

Join wild foods expert Rachel Goclawski on a foraging walk to collect wild plants and learn about how to identify, prepare, and preserve them. Price: $20 ($10 for Sudbury Valley Trustees and Stearns Farm members). RSVP to SVT: Register online or call 978-443-5588 X123

Monday, July 18, 6pm-7pm

Pollinators & Other Beneficial Insects

Habitat garden designer and author Ellen Sousa will talk about pollinators and other flying insects that are essential for growing food and controlling pests. We will walk around the farm to look for some of these beneficial bugs and learn what they need to survive. $5.00 Donation. RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/Vr6rzmwZep

Wednesday, July 20, 3pm-7pm

Wild & Feed: Collecting & Preparing Wild Edibles

Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, for a two-hour ramble over local conservation land to learn about at least two dozen edible species, then relocate to Wolbach Farm in Sudbury to prep, cook, and taste what you have picked along with other foraged dishes. Price: $40 ($30 for Sudbury Valley Trustees and Stearns Farm members). RSVP to SVT: register online or call 978-443-5588 X123

Thursday, July 28, 6:30pm-7:30pm

History of Stearns Farm

Bring a picnic and listen to Elizabeth Fideler, who has been researching and writing a biography of Margaret P. Welch (1893-1984), owner of the Nixon House and the Stearns Farm land who later donated many acres to SVT. Penelope Turton was her companion and caregiver; they were also the co-founders of the Framingham Friends Meeting. Stearns Farm is a “carry in-carry out” farm so plan your picnic accordingly. $5.00 Donation. RSVP http://goo.gl/forms/fzkPSXJvLv

AUGUST 2016

Sunday, August 7, 2pm-3pm

Think Like a Plant

Thinking like a plant is a way to look at practical gardening in partnership with all of nature. With retired Stearns Farm CSA manager Kathy Huckins. $5.00 Donation. RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/XK8n47LEA7

Saturday, August 13th, 5pm-6pm

Stearns Farm Flower Garden Tour

Join Melanie Hardy, Stearns Farm CSA Farmer, for a tour of the flower garden and a flower talk. $5.00 Donation. RSVP http://goo.gl/forms/5fnzCykxBR

Wednesday, August 17, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Fueling Your Child For Success

With the school year around the corner, it can be hard to keep kids energized with healthy food. Certified health coach Nicolette Blanco will help you think about your children’s nutrition in a holistic and integrated way to keep them healthy and to improve their mood and concentration. There will be ample time for Q & A, and children are welcome to participate. $5.00 Donation. RSVP http://goo.gl/que3I4

SEPTEMBER 2016

Thursday, September 8, 6pm-7pm

Sustainable Gardening and Plants for Pollinators

Bring a picnic dinner, and learn about sustainable gardening and plants for pollinators from a local expert, Mark Richardson, Horticulture Director, New England Wildflower Association and Garden in the Woods. Stearns Farm is a “carry in-carry out” farm so plan your picnic accordingly. $5.00 Donation. RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/BlHMg8vri

Saturday, September 24, 10am-11am

Preserving Herbs for Winter Use

Join Sara Abramovitz, who is in charge of the Stearns Farm herb garden, to learn how to harvest and preserve herbs for winter use. Also take home a selection of herbs you harvest along with a wealth of new knowledge to get you started on your own herb gardening journey. Please bring scissors, small ziplock bags, and a sharpie. Sign up information coming soon!

OCTOBER 2016

Date To Be Announced

Fall Foraging at Stearns Farm

Join wild foods expert Rachel Goclawski again to forage the fall farm and forest to find wild edibles. More details coming soon!