We are actively responding to climate change at White Rose Farm. We hold beauty, bounty and balance as touchstones, and engage our intelligence, heart and will in responding to the Earth, with the intention to heal and balance the Earth.

There are so many levels on which to work! One very practical aspect is that as the weather gets more extreme, we need to respond more urgently and often with more effort. My farm has red clay soil: I cannot work the soil when it is too wet or too dry—it damages the long-term structure of the soil. As we get drenching rains, then strong winds, then drying sun, the window of time that I have to work the soil is narrowing.

So the solution I have chosen is to ask for help—to engage others in healing the Earth. Here are some options:

    Be part of our gardening team: come once a season, or participate all year—on an occasional or regular basis.
    Take on a particular crop. (We now have a volunteer who is tending the rhubarb: another tends the tomatoes; another is focused on herbs. )
    Take on a particular task—tending chickens or hogs or fertilizing the garden.
    Bring a group to the farm for a morning or evening of work, and then enjoy your own picnic on the farm.
    Help us connect to others—by blogging or helping in our office.
    Come for at least 6 weeks and be part of the gardening team. We need people to:
o    Work in the garden
o    Prepare and sell vegetables for our CSA and members, at our farm stand, and at a farmer’s market.
o    Help with seasonal events, public and educational programs.
o    Tending the animals (pigs, chickens, turkey, and ducks.)
o    Preparing and spraying biodynamic preparations
o    Communicate our work and our vision to the wider world
    Live at the farm for a season as an apprentice or intern. Spend 40 hours a week in return for food from the garden and a small stipend. You will learn small farm management, as well as gardening and biodynamic practices.

In all these opportunities, I anticipate teaching as we work—introducing plants and gardening practices that share what I know. I also hope to learn from others.

Hope to see you soon! Come to the farm and find what feeds you!