Blog

April 15, 2019 by Kimberly Kneeland

Farms – Places that Nourish and Heal

April 2019

Written by Assistant Farm Manager, Diana Shomstein

Hello everyone, my name is Diana Shomstein and I am the new Assistant Farm Manager for the 2019 growing season here at Wright-Locke Farm.

I have a lot of gratitude for the past experiences that have led me to my first real job in farming, after internships and apprenticeships in a series of diverse places in the world, and teaching in early childhood education and early childhood music education.

It is with some disbelief that I find myself in this position, having grown up in Brooklyn, New York. Like many who live in cities, experiencing nature is something that is rare, special, foreign and deeply familiar at the same time. Nature is not accessible to many, and that extends to all areas of health and well-being, from food security to clean air and water. So I feel that it is with a lot of privilege that I am able to choose to farm, to live and work in places that have the potential to nourish and heal.

From my first few weeks working at Wright-Locke farm, I am reminded of how important farms and nature are to people, in connecting to a wavelength so different from urban ways of life. It seems that farms can be places where people have meaningful experiences, both individually and shared, whether it is with an animal, plant, space, or community. Farms are spaces intentionally cultivated by people, which distinguishes them from wild spaces, and are interesting to think about in terms of how humans have interacted with and shaped the earth. Spaces like Wright-Locke seem to give us the chance to reflect on that relationship because we see the homes around the farm, the cars down the road, and then the chickens roaming around and the pond and trees up the hill.

I dream of a place where sound, music, healing and food can openly exist in nature and cultivate the bond we have to the earth. I wonder if beneath the need to provide food that perhaps led people to cultivate land to create farms, was that humans were cultivating a relationship with the land. I hope that in this season I will be able to continue the idea of a relationship to oneself, and to others through farming and growing food on a small scale.

I feel that farms that are open and in touch with the wild, can be safe havens for people to grow within and challenge themselves. Yet there are so many farms in the world with practices that harm and violate the rights of the earth, of children, of animals. We are aware that the earth is an endlessly diverse place that is simultaneously losing much of its life and diversity. I am aware of this complexity and somewhat of a dichotomy in small intentional farms like Wright-Locke, where we given the chance to heal and be nourished by our interaction on the earth, and then we are inevitably connected to our neighbors whether they be close by or far away.

Thank you for your thoughts Diana and we are so excited to welcome you to Wright-Locke Farm for the 2019 season! – The WLF Team

February 7, 2019 by Kimberly Kneeland

Looking Forward to Sustainability

February 2019

Written by Executive Director, Archie McIntyre

I’m trying to turn over a new leaf. The beginning of the year is a great time for resolutions. Usually, I shoot too high, but this year I’m starting with a modest resolution – one that I have a reasonable chance of meeting throughout the year.

I drink a lot of coffee. Some are surprised with how much. Let’s just say it’s more than a couple of cups a day. And, no, my resolution is not to cut down the amount of coffee consumed. So far it seems to be working for me. What I need to do is cut down the number of disposable cups that I consume. A frequent Starbucks’ visitor, I probably go through hundreds of cups and plastic lids per year. Imagine Starbucks’ environmental footprint of single use cups and lids worldwide.

Do I really need to be a part of it? I think not. With a small effort and a bit of forethought, I don’t have to be part of this problem. I can bring my own mug for coffee or bring my reusable shopping bag to the market. It’s a small step that’s not going to solve all of our problems, probably no more than one drop in an ocean of water. But I have to start somewhere and my small action can have important meaning to me and maybe someone around me.

So what has this to do with the Farm?

Members of the Wright-Locke Farm Board and staff have spent the last couple of months working on our 5-year strategic plan. We’ll be doing many of the things we currently do – it seems to be working pretty well – but we’ll start consciously evaluating what it is we do through the lens of sustainability. I take the liberty of quoting from a section of the Plan:

“Now in its second decade, Wright-Locke Farm is a thriving organization garnering strong interest and enthusiasm from surrounding communities. We see many opportunities to further increase our beneficial impact across many segments of the community, leveraging and expanding ongoing farm facilities and activities. We seek to ensure that Wright-Locke Farm remains a healthy, fiscally sound, vibrant resource, broadening its contributions to the community well into the future.

The farm also finds itself at an inflection point, not only in its own history — having now turned uncertain beginnings into an established and valued center of community life — but also in a historic moment of opportunity, as a local agricultural enterprise in a wider society increasingly unsettled by the threat of climate change and by growing inequality, including unequal access to nature and rural or farm experiences. We believe that by taking action to address each of these issues, we are in a unique position to demonstrate to a broader community the positive, key values of

Environmental Stewardship
Social Responsibility
Financial Sustainability”

Let’s use the perspective of a “Triple Bottom Line” to evaluate all that we do and measure our impact – both positive and negative. Like my disposable cups, our undertakings will have a modest impact on our global issues, but an impact nonetheless. We all have to start trying. Wright-Locke Farm is just 20 acres out of a total of 4,032 acres in Winchester. Just a drop in an ocean. But if we add up all our small, individual efforts we can start to make a dent. Here are some of the things were undertaking at the farm and how they fit into our new model of a Triple Bottom Line evaluation:

Farm-wide Environmental Audit

To better understand where were going, it’s good to have a handle on where we are. This year, we will undertake a complete farm-wide environmental audit. What is our gas and diesel consumption for our tractors, mowers and other farm vehicles and implements? How much electricity do we use on farm, fuel oil to heat the farmhouse, and water to irrigate our fields and wash our vegetables? What a great project for an environmental intern from one of our universities or graduate schools. (If anyone comes to mind, please let us know.)

Use of Disposables, Recyclables, Reusables

Speaking of environmental audits, how about our use of disposables and plastics? All of us on staff know we can, and need, to do a better job. Areas that we’ll start to explore include how do we reduce single use containers for our Farm Stand and for our many public and private events? What alternatives do we have for plastic produce bags that are a great convenience to our customers at our farmers markets? Winchester has implemented a town-wide single-use plastic bag ban. Due to our size, the Farm is probably exempt, but we will voluntarily comply because it’s not only the right thing to do, but we feel reflects our persona as an organization.

There are many other things we’d like to do to become more sustainable as a farm and organization. Too many to explore in this short blog. Suffice it to say that we will start taking the necessary steps to make sure we’re doing our part to help our fragile ecosystem and to become more a part of the solution and less a part of the problem. If we all do our small part to become the solution– here in Winchester and at the State and regional level – pretty soon what was just a drop in the ocean might become a wave.

All Seasons Barn

Many of you have seen our plans. A heated barn will allow us to extend our programming to 12 months per year, strengthening our financial sustainability as an organization by becoming a year-round operation. Through careful design, use of materials and green technology, we are working to make this a “net zero” project, one that generates more clean energy than it uses. Central to this goal will be a geothermal heating and cooling system and a solar array to power all of our electric power at the Farm.

Solar Power Project

For a while now, we have felt that the farm should generate electricity with its own solar array. The logical place for an array is on our south facing roofs of the 1827 Barn and Squash House. Due to the buildings’ historic status, we have avoided pursuing this option in the past and sought other options, including ground mount locations around the Farm. After lengthy soul searching, we have come to the conclusion that a ground mount option would have far greater visual impact (and cost) on our historic farmscape. So we are back to pursuing solar panels on our two main barns. This is a tough decision, but many of us feel that the time is right to make the difficult choices but reasonable sacrifices to mitigate negative climate impacts.

The Wright-Locke Conservancy Board, Winchester Historical Commission and the Winchester Select Board have all voted unanimously to support this option. Now we must convince the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and our numerous visitors and constituents that this is the right approach. For those of you interested in learning more, here’s a link to a detailed explanation of the project and some photos of what the panels would look like. I think you’ll agree that the plan makes every effort to minimize the visual impact on the buildings and farm.

December 14, 2018 by Kimberly Kneeland

The Farm, a Gift.

December 2018

Written by Volunteer, Betsy Block

I remember a long time ago, when my kids were still young, seeing a pop-up sign for raspberry picking in a funny little field in Winchester. Organic raspberries in Winchester? At the time it was surprising, and delightful, but it also felt, if I’m being honest, like this was “tax break land.” Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m just saying, that’s how it felt. Still, my family of four picked raspberries because, how could we not?

Several years later, my son worked as a counselor at the Wright-Locke summer camp before going on to major in Environmental Studies in college, and my daughter, now a high school senior seemingly headed down the same path, was his CIT for a week, so I knew even back then that things were changing up on the Farm.

It wasn’t until my husband and I drove over for a walk through the trails on a late fall day in 2016, though, that I saw for myself what Wright-Locke Farm had become. The day was cold, and the vista was a still life in late season grays and browns, but it was starkly beautiful, and clean, and fresh. Meandering through the farm’s different landscapes soothed our souls, frayed beyond repair (or so I thought) from my yearlong battle with a life-threatening illness.

That was the day I realized: this was no longer tax break land. It had somehow, while I hadn’t been paying attention, morphed into a sanctuary. It was as though elves had swooped in and magically transformed this once-forgotten spot into something truly unique, a center brimming with programs and walking trails and, amazingly, even a real working organic farm producing all sorts of crops, not just raspberries (although, thankfully, still those tiny red gems too). Of course, there were no elves, only humans deeply committed to reclaiming and restoring this gorgeous piece of unsullied property that was at one point so very close to being lost to development. Those devoted people somehow managed to find the resources the land needed, and together, they saved it. Now, thanks to the hard work of so many people, both staff and volunteers, it has become a refuge for plants, animals, and humans alike. It is a robust host for education and cultural events. It serves us, is served by us, and belongs to us.

Two years after taking that calming walk on the farm’s trails, I am well and my family’s soul has been restored. And now, with once-again clear eyes, I am able to see Wright-Locke as it is, not as I remember it from a decade ago. Wright-Locke Farm is now a place where life thrives, curiosity is sated, and we are given the opportunity to connect with each other and ourselves.

I am not a religious person, but in a place like this I find what I imagine temple or church provides to others: solace, awe, and inspiration, all at a farm devoted as much to our collective spirit as it is to food. (But oh, the food!) How many places just outside of Boston city limits offer us this much space to breathe and reclaim a sense of both purpose and ease? It may not be wrapped in gold paper and adorned with a bow, but this December we can give thanks for this special spot tucked away in Winchester, because Wright-Locke Farm is a gift to us all.

Thank you Betsy for your beautiful words and thoughts. This post in itself is truly a gift to us!

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Make Your Own Gift Today

December 3, 2018 by Audrey DiBuono

Thank You Wright-Locke Farm

December 2018

Written by Communication Intern, Audrey DiBuono

My name is Audrey DiBuono and I was the 2018 Communication Intern here at Wright-Locke Farm! I would like to take a little bit of time to introduce myself, and give a little background on the path I took to end up here at the Farm!

I have always been a firm believer in a holistic approach to life and am constantly trying to find my own personal balance. This idea first became an important part of my daily routine during high school. At the age of 15, my older brother was diagnosed with ALL, or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and our family’s entire world felt as though it had been flipped upside down. The only thing that we knew at this point was that we would do everything we could to support Alex in his fight. Part of this was changing all of our lifestyles.

We had already been a very active family, but our nutrition had taken a backseat over the years. The first thing that we did was a sweep of our kitchen and cut out as much added sugar and processed foods as possible and replaced them with organic, whole, nutritious real foods. The whole family stayed healthy during this time, and slowly but surely our diet helped healed our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.

I carried these healthy habits with me throughout my high school career, but entering college I started to lose my focus on my own health and well being. Like many young adults, the change to college shook me. I felt a disconnect between my passion and my forming career path, as well as a disconnect between my health and happiness. It scared me deeply. I lost my passion and started entering into a toxic routine. I was not exercising or staying active, and it seemed like the only foods that I craved were processed and packed with sugar. Along with my physical health, my mental health began to waiver…I wasn’t sure if my degree in Communication was what I could see myself doing and this seemed to only manifest even more over time.

During my Sophomore Year my brother relapsed and had to undergo a bone marrow transplant, reigniting that flame in me once again. I realized how much of my time was being wasted with a negative mindset and living my toxic routine, and finally knew I needed to make change for myself. Watching my brother’s continuous example of strength and bravery really changed my entire outlook on how I should be living my own life- I realized I needed to change my perspective. I started adding back those things that made me feel happy, curious, and whole (classes, good foods, learning about holistic living). I began reading more and more about holistic practices, food policies, sustainability, and most importantly- the Organic Food Movement. I felt more like myself than I had in a long time. I realized I could and would try my hardest to merge passion/interest with my career path upon graduation, and that’s when I happened to find this communication internship at Wright-Locke Farm.

Wright-Locke Farm has helped me find my perfect balance that I am always striving to find. Some days I spend my entire day outside ranging in activities from aiding in education programs, to arranging flowers, or even harvesting in the fields. On other days you can find me greeting attendees at the Speaker Series or working behind the register in the Farm Stand. And sometimes I may just be inside the farm house working with Kim on our computers, honing in on my Communication skills and expanding my education. No matter what I am doing here or where I am, I feel a harmony with myself and with all that surrounds me. Wright-Locke has given me the opportunity to be who I am and, more importantly, find who I am.

I would never have expected to be here when I entered college, and now I am so happy and grateful I was. Being a part of the WLF crew and community is irreplaceable, and so special. I will always carry these memories and lessons with me no matter where I go. Not only am I excited about the opportunities that WLF has given to me to explore and learn, but I feel hopeful about the future and the other opportunities that I see WLF and other farms offering to people, like me, who need these safe, encouraging, and healthy environments. So, Wright-Locke, I leave with a heavy heart knowing I will miss every part of my experience, but with a sense of peace and brightness knowing that I will always have a place here.

Thank You.

November 30, 2018 by Audrey DiBuono

A Walk in the Woods

January 2019

Written by 2018 Assistant Education Director, Becca Sears

The Winchester community is fortunate to have access to acre upon acre of trails in the woods. At Wright-Locke Farm, our property abuts the Whipple Hill conservation area. During the 2018 season, the Youth Education Program made a conscious effort to spend more time in the forest by incorporating daily woods walks into our sessions.

We enter the woods next to the small pond near the bee boxes. We first use our eyes to take in our surroundings. As quietly as we can, we walk on the path alongside the long edge of the pond. What colors do you see? With younger groups, we bring color swatches to help narrow their focus. Once we reach a designated meeting spot, we discuss what we saw. Green leaves, brown dirt, blue sky, white clouds. Once a child pointed out a piece of blue litter on the ground, which led to a discussion about the importance of “leave no trace” and why we should keep our forests clean.

What do you hear? We do a mindfulness listening activity called “Fistful of Sounds”: everyone closes their eyes, silently raises a hand in the air, and puts one finger down with each new sound they hear until they have a fistful of sounds. This exercise spans all age groups. It is endearing to watch preschoolers as they open and close their whole fists with each sound, and encouraging to see reluctant 5th graders silently listen and wholeheartedly participate. We hear nature sounds: leaves rustling, branches cracking, bird chirping. We hear human sounds: planes flying overhead, a car beeping, the tractor plowing. This is to practice being in the “here and now”. Starting at a young age, children and their families are constantly on the go, oftentimes going from one activity to the next. Even taking a minute or two to be present in the moment makes a positive difference on one’s state of mind.

As we continue down the path into the woods, we come to a large clearing. This is where we construct our fairy house city. I’ve found that fairy houses are a great equalizer. No matter your age, and whether you’re using your imagination or engineering skills, everyone can participate in some way. I watch as children create new friendships, share, and resolve conflicts. After a set amount of time, we take a tour and practice listening while others tell the group about their creations.

We move along the path, making our way toward Locke Pond. I listen as the children chatter away, talking about whose birthday party is coming up, what school they go to, or a cool plant they just discovered. Conversation comes naturally to children no matter where they are. In adults, conversing while walking seems to happen more easily. Although seemingly mundane, walking is a shared activity and fosters a connection in that regard. We are also less focused on our body language (i.e. What do I do with my hands? Am I making too much eye contact?) and can actually think about the conversation itself. There are no awkward silences like when we are sitting face-to-face since conversation is a secondary activity to walking.

Despite some resistance, we go up the hill. Everyone (myself included) is huffing and puffing to get to the top. We discuss the importance of physical activity and making our bodies work hard. It is easy to get exercise when you are doing something enjoyable, and where it is not the primary goal.

After we make our way down the other side of the hill and back toward the farm, there are some grumbles of feeling tired, feet hurting, being hot. I remind everyone how close we are to the farm, and how there is value in feeling uncomfortable sometimes (within reason, of course). I read that “the more discomfort you introduce into your life, the more your comfort zone will expand”; I feel strongly about instilling this at a young age, and keeping it in mind as adults. If you slowly introduce discomfort, more opportunities will arise as your comfort zone expands.

As a native New Hampshirite, I have spent much of my life in the woods: hiking, playing, skiing. A season full of walks in the woods at Wright-Locke Farm reminded me of their importance. There are constant learning opportunities for both children and adults, as well as physical and mental well-being benefits. So, whatever the reason, take a walk in the woods. Bring a friend, spouse, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, dog, or nobody. Go for a short walk for 5 minutes, or a big hike for 6 hours. Challenge yourself or take it slow. Go in the rain, snow, or sunshine; when it’s cold or hot. Go with the flow, and take things as they come. You never know what you might end up experiencing, learning, feeling.

Thank you Becca for your time at Wright-Locke and this lovely piece about one of your favorite things to do with the kids in the youth programs. The best of luck to you and have fun with where the wind takes you!