LexFarm Update: On and Off the Farm

Farm Improvements:

We’ve been busy this spring starting to execute some of the many projects we have planned for 2016. New lines have been painted, including a van-accessible handicap space.

Thanks to volunteers from the Yale University alumni group and employees from MathWorks, the small hoop house that was next to the farm stand has been removed. We plan to use the space as an outdoor vegetable processing area where our farmers will wash and pack produce. We are making progress on converting the existing swallow house into a LexFarm information and pick-your-own kiosk.

IMG_4305-webA Musical Feast for LexFarm:

On May 22nd, LexFarm supporters were treated to a musical feast at the first LexFarm Benefit Concert to support LexFarm’s education and food access programs. Headliners Darol Anger and Emy Phelps brought their special brand of fiddle magic and vocal craft with a spirited blend of originals and traditional tunes. We are truly fortunate to have these influential and admired musicians as friends and neighbors.

Arlington’s wunderkind Fiddlin’ Quinn Eastburn and his Big Folks band wowed the audience in the opening set and joined Darol and Emy for the rousing finale.  We’ll be hearing from Quinn for many years to come.

Thanks to the musicians Darol and Emy, Quinn and Chris Eastburn, Noah Harrington, and Aidan O’Donnell, First Parish Church, the volunteer organizers, and to all attendees.  You all made it happen!

Traveling Worm Farm:

Our traveling worm bins were featured at the Children’s EarthFest on the esplanade last month. At LexFarm’s booth, children were invited to dig for worms, pose for a photograph and learn how worms help the earth. If you would like to learn more about LexFarm’s worm programs or how you can purchase a ready-to-use worm composting bin, click here.

LexFarm also presents hands-on school programs about worms and composting. At Lexington’s Bridge Elementary School, children enjoyed our popular science enrichment program once again this spring. Here, children are examining the red wigglers up close. Did you know that worms do not have eyes or ears, but they have five hearts?! I’ll bet you didn’t. But if you did, you’re probably a “book” worm! Click here to learn more about a classroom worm program for your child’s school.

Food Link Container Garden Project

LexFarm was a proud sponsor and participant in the Food Link Container Garden Project. The goal of project is to increase the capacity of food insecure community members to supplement their grocery needs by growing organic vegetables at their residences.  Food Link worked with a network of community collaborators to bring organic vegetable seedlings to Menotomy Manor, a low income housing unit in East Arlington in May. More than 40 households representing over 120 individuals chose from seedlings of beets, cherry and full size tomatoes, kale, spinach, collard greens, eggplant, scallions, lettuce, arugula, onions, celeriac, mustard greens, spicy greens mix and several varieties of hot and sweet peppers. LexFarm’s seedlings were so vibrant they emerged the crowd favorite.