Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a community farm?
A community farm is one that is operated by a nonprofit organization for public benefit. As a nonprofit, its members and donors provide financial support that expands and deepens the impact of the farm in the community. See our About Us page to learn more about LexFarm’s nonprofit vision and mission and Join us as a member to support our work!
Who owns the land where LexFarm operates?
The Town of Lexington purchased the former Busa Farm in 2009. LexFarm has leased the land from the Town since 2014 to operate Lexington Community Farm, and we invite the public to enjoy this beautiful community resource from sunrise to sunset. See our Visit the Farm page for more information.
Are you an organic farm?
Yes, we are a certified organic farm, but more importantly, we practice regenerative farming, which is farming for the benefit of nature. This method focuses on improving soil health and restoring biodiversity to grow healthy food and ensure that the land remains productive for future generations. To learn more about how we farm, visit our About Us page.
Is LexFarm run by volunteers?
LexFarm has a team of dedicated professional staff members and a volunteer Board of Directors who operate the farm. Learn more about Our Team here. We also rely on volunteers to perform a wide range of tasks around the farm. See our Volunteer page to learn about opportunities available for teens and adults, as well as for community and corporate groups.
Can I volunteer on the farm?
We love our volunteers at LexFarm! They help us with everything from weeding and spreading mulch to maintaining the greenhouses to moving produce bins in the Farm Store. While most opportunities are for adults (18+), we have some limited opportunities for children and younger teens. We can also accommodate community and corporate groups. See all the options on our Volunteer page.
Do you have opportunities to work in exchange for veggies?
We have a limited number of work share positions available, where you can volunteer four hours of time a week in exchange for a full Member CSA summer share. Please email [email protected] if you’re interested in a work share.
How do I order a Member CSA?
You have to be a LexFarm member at the Household level to become a CSA shareholder. See our Member CSA page for full details.
Do you have to be a member to shop at the farm? Take an education class? Buy a CSA?
Everyone is welcome to shop in the Farm Store and register for an education class. However, to purchase a Member CSA, you have to be a LexFarm member at the Household level.
When is the annual seedling sale?
Pre-buy seedlings go on sale in mid-March for members and a week later for the general public. Distribution of the seedlings is in mid-May. Sign up for our e-newsletter to be notified of the specific dates. We also have self-serve seedlings available for purchase at the farm stand from May-September, as they become available from the greenhouse.
Do you sell eggs?
Yes, we sell eggs at our Farm Store, as well as produce grown on the farm and a wide variety of products from around Massachusetts and New England.
Do you sell raw milk?
We don’t sell raw milk. However, our Farm Store sells pasteurized milk from Crescent Ridge Dairy in Sharon, Massachusetts.
What is the tall chimney for?
The 60-foot brick chimney was historically used to run a coal-fired furnace. The furnace heated various buildings, including several glass greenhouses on the farm. Only one glass greenhouse remains. Visit our Farm History page to learn more about farming on this land over the years.
Can I visit the goats and the chickens?
The goats and chickens are on private land that is not part of LexFarm; however, the owner kindly allows visitors to access the property to see the animals. Please be respectful and do not feed them.
Can I bring my dog to the farm?
Yes, we welcome dogs that are on leash. We just ask that you please keep them out of the fields at all times, and pick up after them.
Do you have garden plots available?
LexFarm is a community farm, not a community garden, so we don’t have plots for gardeners to use. For more details, see the above question “What is a community farm?”
Are you hiring?
We hire seasonal apprentices during January and February to work from April through October, and we sometimes have other positions available to work in the Farm Store or Education programs. All open positions can be found on our Employment page.
Why do farmers sometimes leave crops in the fields to “die on the vine”?
Farming at this scale means that not every crop will be fully harvested. There are many reasons why a crop might not be marketable–it could mean the crop has a disease or might have been damaged by frost.
When are your education classes?
There’s something happening Monday through Friday at the farm all year long! We offer a wide range of classes for children from 6 months through 12 years, as well as adult classes spanning regenerative farming, arts and culture, gardening, and food education. Get the class schedules and registration details on our Education page.
Can I have a birthday or other type of event on the farm or in the dome?
We don’t host private birthday parties at LexFarm at this time; however, we do host educational programs for local schools/groups/organizations, depending on educator availability. If there’s an event you’re interested in holding at the farm, please reach out to [email protected].
Where is LexFarm located?
Lexington Community Farm is located at 52 Lowell Street in Lexington, Massachusetts. See our Visit the Farm page for directions and more information.
What is LexFarm’s mailing address?
Please send all postal communications to LexFarm – P.O. Box 554 – Lexington, MA 02420. Please do not mail correspondence to our street address.
What are your hours of operation?
The farm is open to the general public from sunrise to sunset. However, the Farm Store has specific hours of operation, which you can find on the Farm Store page.