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Across the Fence:  Martha's Vineyard  |
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LalaDairyLady
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Laura
Syracuse
NY
USA
9 Posts |
 Posted - May 10 2008 : 9:06:09 PM
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Hello All~
I'm not sure where to post this, but here is as good as any I suppose!
I just found out I will be spending the summer in Martha's Vineyard at a sustainable organic farm called Katama Farms. I will be a farmer/teacher. I get to teach kids about the benefits of farming and how they can do it in their own yards.
I guess I'm looking for advice, this will be the farthest from home I've ever been. For the longest time.
I'm not an organic farmer either, what should I expect?
What should I do or see on the island?
I have so many questions!
"There is as much dignity in plowing a field as there is in writing a poem." ~Thomas Jefferson |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2008 : 05:29:58 AM
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Hi Laura and welcome! How lucky you are to be going to Martha's Vineyard for the summer. It is such a beautiful and quaint (funky) island with loads of charm. I haven't been there for a few years, but I rented a bicycle and road around the island with a group, and it really is breathtaking. If you love charming seaside cottages, pretty gardens, the ocean and some really expensive (gorgeous) homes, you'll have a great time. There are some wonderful restaurants, but I can't remember any particular one, off hand. I can't offer any farming tips, but I'm sure someone here will help you. Have a great time!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2008 : 09:49:24 AM
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I second the welcome, Laura! Sounds like a wonderful opportunity--how did you come by it?
You don't have to be FARMER to be a steward of the land...You can stress to them the good things that happen when you buy locally at a farm market or from local humane meat producers, and personally, I live in a little cottage in an old subdivision, and we have 3 raised organic garden beds and will be beekeeping in the future and plant native species. You can explain to the children that every little effort to keep food "at home" is key...that they can grow squash in pots on a trellis, that tomatoes can be hung in buckets upside down on your porch--that organic "farming" can be done on a patio, in a side yard, or on a large scale if that's what you've got. But, these children will inherit the responsiblity of trying to save our planet. That's HUGE, and not using chemicals and reverting back to our ancestors methods will be a first step. I bet these kids have probably never seen an apple that isn't as big as your head or fruit that's not "beautiful" because it's genetically produced and sprayed to be "perfect".
As far as Martha's Vineyard, oh my...such a lovely place. You can tool around the island on a bike and be satisfied, I think. Good seafood, and lots of money-honey. It will be crowded that time of year, so enjoy all that you see!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2008 : 11:25:55 AM
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Hi, Laura and welcome. I don't know anything about Martha's Vineyard but I hear it's a great place to visit!
I think Jonni covered most of the suggestions and you can get a lot more from MaryJane's books and mags. That would be a lot of fun to teach kids how to grow their own healthy food and to grow it responsibly.
You'll have to let us know how your summer progresses.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2008 : 12:19:15 PM
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Laura,
WOW!! how fun! My advice would be to enjoy every moment and take it all in. Keep a journal of all the things you learn and the characters you meet. And go in determined to just be "present", as it will go fast.. Please report back on the experience as it will be fun to hear all about it...
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
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LalaDairyLady
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Laura
Syracuse
NY
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2008 : 6:27:44 PM
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Thanks for all of the advice!
And thank you for showing so much excitement on my behalf!
Everyone else I've talked to thinks I'm flat out crazy for leaving my other job that pays more.
I cannot wait. I leave Wednesday at 5AM. I am staying in a tent on the farm until the apartment I'm renting is opened (it's above The Black Dog General Store ?)
I'll make sure to keep you all posted! I have a journal stated already....
Cheers!
~Laura
"There is as much dignity in plowing a field as there is in writing a poem." ~Thomas Jefferson |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2008 : 7:22:04 PM
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As they say...money can't buy you happiness! If this is what you love and it makes you happy, you should go for it. It's sad that some people put money first in their life decisions. There is a lot to be said for peace and contentment. I'll take that over money every time. So, I don't believe you're crazy at all.
At least your apartment isn't over a bar & grill!
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2008 : 8:06:02 PM
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Good luck! The Black Dog General Store is an island mainstay, with it's mascot a black lab--you'll probably have to get a t-shirt or hat :)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Back Home Again
True Blue Farmgirl
584 Posts
Audrey
Albuquerque
New Mexico
USA
584 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2008 : 10:28:22 PM
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Laura,
If you get a chance try to take the Ferry over to Nantucket for a day. It has a totally different topography from Martha's Vineyard and is a fun place to shop/browse the cute little shops and antique stores. The cobblestone streets are really neat! Enjoy your summer!!
Audrey |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2008 : 1:57:54 PM
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What a great summer you're gonna have.
Don't know anything about Martha's Vineyard, but have taught a 4-H gardening/horticulture project for many years. I think the most important thing is to make it fun. While all the info about stewardship, local buying, etc is important for them to learn at an early age kids get bored if it's too much like a classroom setting. Kids love to learn by doing, get their hands in the dirt, plant seeds, pot plants and have something to take home at the end of the day.
Our project did a display for a Food Faire that showed where all of our county's ag products were shipped to. You could do that in reverse and show how far that orange or watermelon or flower had to travel in order for them to enjoy it on Martha's Vineyard.
Also, 4-H is part of Cooperative Extension and the Farm Advisors Office, you may be able to get some really good kid friendly materials or activities from them.
Enjoy your summer, sounds like it will be fabulous.
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2008 : 2:03:39 PM
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You are going to have the time of your life! Keep us posted - I would love to hear about it!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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LalaDairyLady
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Laura
Syracuse
NY
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2008 : 10:56:51 AM
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My God it's beautiful here and the farm is amazing! Here is a link to the website.
http://www.farminstitute.org/who/whomiss.html
The pig is due on tuesday morning so we are tenting at the farm property to make sure she has a good delivery. I am so excited!
We start our training on the 26th and we will begin our lesson planning then as well. Thanks for all the tips for lesson ideas, they are very helpful and inspiring!
I had fresh organic kale for the first time friday, it was delicious! Why didn't I know about this sooner!
We will be harvesting some chickens soon as well.
I also found out there is a lumberjack competition here at the fair on the island in August. I'm going to enter! I didnt think I would be able to chop at all this summer, I am extremely excited for everything this summer and I am so glad you are all here with open ears!
~Laura 
"There is as much dignity in plowing a field as there is in writing a poem." ~Thomas Jefferson |
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LalaDairyLady
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Laura
Syracuse
NY
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 05:22:04 AM
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I am happy to report we have 8 healthy baby Tamworth/Gloucestershire Old spotted piglets! CUTE AS BUTTONS!!!
"There is as much dignity in plowing a field as there is in writing a poem." ~Thomas Jefferson |
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Across the Fence: Martha's Vineyard |
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Martha's Vineyard
