The Ecosystem Farm Plan 2013

What do we do at the Ecosystem Farm?

What is SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE?- sequesters carbon in the soil and

produces food with energy efficient methods

- increases soil organic matter and a diversity of living soil organisms

- improves water quality and quantity

- improves biodiversity- improves the health of soil, plants,

animals, farm workers, consumers- increases farm financial viability

by reducing dependence on inputs and providing farmers a fairer return for their products

- (from the Canadian Organic Growers)

-We till (open the soil) as little as possible, plant cover crops to cover it, maintain healthy soil to reduce nutrient loss-Cover crops add organic matter, as does compost. We are careful with our tractor work to maximize healthy tilth of soil.-We manage the farm so nutrients are leached into the groundwater, river, or surrounding swamp.-We spray minimal organic pesticides only when absolutely necessary.-Healthy people: farmers and customers.-Making soil healthy = healthy plants, long term balance in soil (amendments & fertilizers)-MONEY = farming is a viable career / lifestyle

The Farm Staff• Daniel• Holli• Becky• Mystery

Apprentice –mid-May

A Note about Farmer Training: Through on-farm training and formal classes and projects, apprentices at the Ecosystem Farm share in the work and vision of the farm in order to prepare them for a future in sustainable agriculture. Our model functions as a market-driven operation in order to present the realities of participating in a sustainable agriculture business.

CSA 2013• First week in July – first week in December• Tuesday pickups are BOX pickups, 3:30 – 6:30• Friday pickups are MARKET-STYLE pickups, 3:30 - 6:30

CSA 2013 cont’d.

• Boxes include 20 weeks of produce, a cookbook of EcoFarm-specific produce, 2 canvas bags, and an Accokeek Foundation membership.

• Total for the season is $575

Important CSA Dates

• First pickup of every month: Farmer Happy Hour(s) - we will be present at every first week’s pickup to greet and meet and catch up. The other three pickups of the month, we will probably be out in the fields!

• July 7: Welcome Potluck• August 11: CSA U-Pick / Workday• September 21: Harvest Event with the National

Colonial Farm• November 10: Fall Potluck with CSA Community

Pieces of the Puzzle• Compost• Food Justice• CRAFT• Extending the Season• Beneficial Insect

Plantings• Pastured Poultry• Mushrooms• Beekeeping

Communication• Facebook – www.facebook.com/ecosystemfarm

• Accokeek Website• NO VOICEMAIL PLEASE!• Use Cell Number and Email• csa@accokeek.org• Becky’s cell: 301-247-0848 – call when someone is looking for

us!Meg’s role: -Take CSA phone questions and payments-Field Notes preparation-General administrative support for CSA

Worktrades at the Ecofarm 2013• Greeters at CSA pickups - 2 positions available

- Tuesday and Friday greeters needed, to act as a liaison between farm staff and CSA members, help with checking off members and answering any questions about the produce that week.

• Ecosystem Farm Gardener - one position available- This position is designed for a local gardener to help us with the maintenance of our perennial herbs and flower beds as well as occasional work in our orchard.

• Field Notes Editor - one position available - This position was created to help us with our weekly publication of the CSA newsletter Field Notes. Someone with creative vision and an interest in digital art would be ideal.

• Tom - Mowing

Ecosystem Farm On-Farm Market• Open on Saturdays –

11 – 3?• Produce sold at retail

prices• Open to all – tours

also offered during this time

• Still figuring out details

• Botany Study Group Instructor: Holly Poole-KavanaApril 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Aug. 26, Oct. 7, Nov. 4

• April 4, 2013 - Accepting Federal Nutritional Benefits at Farmers Markets in DC and MD

• April 20 from 10-2 Oyster Mushroom CultivationInstructor - Holli Elliott

• April 27 from 9-12 Respectful, Chemical Free Beekeeping 101Instructor: Stefano Briguglio of Azure B LLC

• April 27 from 1-4 - Walk in the Park Series - Wild Plant IDInstructor: Holly Poole-Kavana

• Hooked on Fishing for Kids 8-15• May 13 from 5:00-7:00 pm Gardening With Dan

Instructor: Daniel Michaelson

May 20 from 6:30-8:30 - DIY Series - Tabletop Composting Instructor: Heidi Briguglio from Azure B LLC

• June 13 from 10-12 Kids Plant WalkInstructor: Holly Poole-Kavana

June 15 from 9-3 Fencing 101Instructor: Polly Festa

• June 17 from 6:30-8:30 PM - DIY Series (Do It Yourself) - Natural Homemade Products for Home and Body

June 24 9:00 to 11:00 am Cordage Making for KidsInstructor: Daniel Michaelson

• July 13 Walk in the Park Series- StargazingInstructor: Jennifer Marks Borinshansky

Aug. 12 from 9:00am to 12:00 noon Primitive Archery WorkshopInstructor: Daniel Michaelson

• September 14 from 9-12 Walk in the Park Series: Mushrooms and EcologyInstructor Tovi Lehman

September 16 5:00-7:00 pm Gardening With DanInstructor: Daniel Michaelson

• Sept. 21 - Harvest Festival -.

September 30 6:30-9:00pm- DIY Series - Livestock 101• October 19 from 9-3 Livestock 102

Instructor: Polly Festa

October 20 from 9-12 Folk Traditions in HerbalismInstructor: Molly Meehan

• October 28 from 6:30-8:30 - DIY Series - The Family CowInstructor - Polly Festa

November 9 from 9-12 Raising Goats: Meat, Dairy, and WoolInstructor: Polly Festa

• November 23 (Time TBD) Solar Power and Your Farm/HomesteadInstructor: (Names) of SolarTech of Southern Maryland

December 14 from 12-4 - Green Crafters Holiday Fair