Old Frog Pond Farm has been seasonably inspired by the nettles growing on their farm: nutritious, persistent, abundant and perennial. Nettles embody the resilience that farmers can not only use as energetic inspiration, but as a spring tonic for both themselves and their farms. 

Join us for discussion and lunch as we tour the farm: we’ll talk through a variety of resiliency strategies in use at Old Frog Pond, and celebrate being a part of the organic movement together.

Lunch will be served.

About the hosts:

Isa Budnik came to the United States from her home in Chile in 2019. Isa brings a long history of experience growing fruits and vegetables in her native country, where she applied the ways of the indigenous farmers. She is a strong advocate for saving seeds, and has much knowledge about medicinal plants. This year, she takes the helm as Farm Manager at Old Frog Pond Farm.

Linda Hoffman moved to Old Frog Pond Farm in 2001 to find that the orchard was a tangle of brambles, poison ivy, and dying trees. Hoffman was determined to bring the orchard back to health and to do it organically. In 2006, the berry patch and the orchard were Certified Organic. Hoffman continues to explore holistic and harmonious ways to grow fruit. She is grateful that being a farmer gives her the opportunity to continuously discover the radical complexity and perfection of the natural world.

Accessibility:

There is a bathroom on site; accessing the bathroom requires going up a short flight of stairs. The orchard walk will cover mostly flat, natural terrain, with an option for a few participants to drive in a small cart instead of walking. 

Parking is available for event participants.

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!

Carpooling is encouraged: coordinate rides here. 

Questions?

Contact: [email protected]

About the Project:

NOFA/Mass is proud to be a Core Partner in the Northeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or a transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org.