2016 CSA Spring May 28th
- Spinach
- Mixed Field Greens
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Garlic scapes (tops)
- Spring Onions
- Green garlic
- Oregano
- Dill
- Lemon Verbena
- Papaya
- Basil
- Yellow Squash
This week we begin the Saturday Stonefield Market 9:30am to 2:30pm (near Trader Joes) as well as the downtown City Market 7am till Noon every Saturday.
With the warmer temperatures, we not only see increased growth of our produce but also in the appearance of wild animals. According to the regulations we follow, regular monitoring of the growing areas is recorded as to wildlife activity. Certain restrictions require us to not harvest within an area around some activity. To the right is a photo of bear tracks that meandered through our lower field. Nothing was molested in this visit. We also have many other wild animals visit us such as fox, raccoon, deer, opossum, birds, groundhog, flying squirrel, and very rarely, wild cat. Turtle and snake also find their way onto the farm. Recently there have been copperhead sightings in other areas, and only once (in our lower field) have we ever seen one. The good news is that we also have the black snake here, helping to protect us. Black snakes fight, defend against and eat poisonous snakes. Hopefully this is not a gross topic, but with these copperhead sightings, bringing attention to a beneficial ally seemed sensible. We do not kill black snakes at the farm and we are encouraging you to familiarize yourself with their appearance so that you may recognize this friend if you happen to come across one.
Many times we hear stories or have been shown the leftovers of the killing of baby black snakes because they look so different when they are young. Below are some photos showing an adult black snake being handled and a baby black snake for identification. Baby copperheads are more brown and have a yellow tipped tail, so please be on the lookout before just instinctually killing a snake that could turn out to be a valuable partner in protecting your surroundings.