Sustainability
Practicing environmental stewardship through Organic farming practices and careful attention to watershed and habitat protection.
USDA Organic Certified
We have been farming with an eye towards sustainability since our founding in 1996 and have been USDA Certified Organic since 2009. This commitment guarantees that our produce is grown without harmful chemicals that harm our bodies, water supplies, and wildlife.
Innovative Technology
We employ techniques to increase soil fertility including reduced tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, compost.
In 2013 we began using a roller/crimper developed by the Rodale Institute to roll down cover crops (traditionally, the cover crops would have been tilled into the fields). The rolling down effectively kills the plant, creating a rich layer of mulch that can be planted directly into.
The 1949 Allis Chalmers G cultivator tractor has been converted to run off electric battery. The video to the right shows how the G is used to roll down our green manure crop of Hairy Vetch and Winter Rye. We will plant tomatoes and summer squash directly into the field after it has been rolled down. The "green manure" will maintain soil moisture and add bio mass to the soil while slowly releasing nitrogen naturally.
Environmental Stewards
As stewards of our ____ acres of the Ovid Hazen Wells Park, we strive to preserve and enrich the habitats of our native wildlife including the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly and the Eastern Bluebird.
Murray Building
The Murray Building was completed in February of 2012. The building is structured around a hand crafted timber frame and is outfitted with top of line technologies that reflect our commitment to sustainability. Attached to the building is a greenhouse that allows us to produce our own plants onsite and offer year-round programming.
Solar House
The Solar House is a fully functioning solar powered home built by students at University of Maryland for the 2005 Solar Decathlon on the National Mall. The home serves to educate visitors about 21st century solar technologies as well as provides a full-time resident’s for staff.