Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) is partnering with Stearns Farm CSA in Framingham for a series of programs featuring the bounty of the summer garden. The relationship between Stearns Farm and SVT goes all the way back to 1959, when Margaret Welch of Framingham donated 87 acres to SVT, then a relatively new regional land trust, for protection. The gift included the agricultural field where her close friend Penelope Turton grew organic vegetables and flowers. This land now grows seasonal fresh vegetables for the farm sharers of Stearns Farm CSA. “SVT is thrilled that this conservation land, part of the Baiting Brook-Welch Reservation, is still farmed and continues the tradition of locally grown food in Framingham,” says Christa Collins, Director of Land Protection for SVT.
The public is invited to register for the following offerings scheduled throughout the summer.
- On June 14, foraging expert Rachel Goclawski will lead “Foraging at Stearns Farm,” introducing participants to native edible plants found on the property. Walk the property and learn to forage safely and sustainably, as well as how to prepare and preserve these plants.
- On June 24, Stearns Farmer Melanie Hardy will lead a Fermentation Workshop in the kitchen at Wolbach Farm, SVT’s headquarters in Sudbury. Learn how to extend the life of your fresh vegetables and prepare a jar to take home.
- On July 19, SVT Executive Director Lisa Vernegaard will offer a free presentation “Birds, Bees and Butterflies in the Garden” at the McAuliffe Library in Framingham. Using a stunning collection of photographs, Lisa will share more about attracting pollinators to the garden. This program is free and open to the public, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
- On August 19, Melanie Hardy will lead “Cut Flower Basics” and share her favorite varieties for cut flowers, as well as harvesting techniques. Design and bring home a farm-style bouquet from the Stearns Farm cutting garden.
- On Saturday, September 23, Katy Riley of Tree House Farms in Millis offers “Tie Dying with Vegetables.” Transform white fabric into wearable pieces of art using natural vegetable dyes. Space is limited for these programs, and registration is required at www.svtweb.org/calendar.
Sudbury Valley Trustees is a regional land trust, protecting and caring for land and wildlife habitat in 36 communities surrounding the Concord, Assabet, and Sudbury Rivers. www.svtweb.org. Stearns Farm CSA is a sustainable all natural farm providing locally grown food in Framingham, offering both summer and winter shares.
