New Beginnings….

April 30, 2020

Life has sure changed since the last time I posted our Blog….back in January, we were all focused on the upcoming election, climate change, our taxes, and getting the onions planted in the greenhouse. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting many individuals around the world, and certainly affecting every aspect of our daily lives and our businesses, our focus is slightly different.

IMG_4484.jpgWe are proud and grateful to live in a community that has come together in so many ways to protect and take care of each other. Farmers are still farming, and making as much food available as possible in this early part of the season. Grocery stores are offering special shopping time for folks at risk, and the elderly, and our restaurants are serving up food in creative ways. Our health care workers are bravely taking risks to help others, and we hear everyday about heroes in our midst, who shop for the elderly, and donate personal funds to help others less fortunate. Not to mention our teachers and parents, who are stepping up to keep students on track with their studies.

A bright spot in all of this—with people staying home, traveling less overall, and the reduction in fossil fuel use—pollution has decreased, skies and water are clearer. Mother Earth is literally breathing a sigh of relief! People are supporting one another in incredible ways. The simple act of wearing a mask is an act of care-taking of others (my mask protects you; your mask protects me). We all get a chance to reexamine the collective lifestyle of our modern era and we can decide what parts of the “way things were” we want to carry forward and what we want to reinvent.

94705996_10216932963820758_2992645427016237056_o.jpgWe especially want to thank our amazing crew! Our crew has gone above and beyond these last few months, to keep up with all of the changes, which often happen on a daily basis. They have been working long hours to accomplish all of the typical spring tasks on the farm, while also creating new ways to get produce out the our community. We would not be able to do this good work without the dedication these folks bring to the farm every day and we are so grateful.

94670743_10216932963380747_67624268665454592_o.jpgWe also want to offer deep gratitude to all of you who have reserved a CSA share this season, and to those who are on our Wait List. Our CSA is full, even after adding 25 additional shares to accommodate the multitude of requests this year. We are so happy to welcome those of you who have supported us continually through the years, those of you who are new to the farm, and those of you who have come back after a long absence. We are doing all we can to safely grow your food with love, and to keep our early June delivery schedule on track. We are also brainstorming about any changes we might need to implement at the delivery sites this season, to keep everyone safe…details will follow! Thank you so much for choosing Winter Green Farm this season!!

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Bronwynn Dean, who is training as our new CSA Coordinator

As many of you know, this is going to be my final year as the CSA Coordinator/Office Manager. I have been in this position for 16 wonderful years and I have been blessed with having a job that I love, on a farm that I cherish. I have learned so much in my time at Winter Green, and have loved getting to know our members, and be part of this  wonderful community. I’ll still be in the office a few days a week next year, taking on some new responsibilities, and opening myself to new and different paths. I look forward to weathering this final season with you all.

We feel so blessed to have found Bronwynn Dean, who is training to step into the CSA Coordinator position! Bronwynn actually worked on the farm in 2005, on the Basil harvesting crew, when we still made our own Pesto products. We feel fortunate that she has found her way back to us!

Bronwynn is a mother of three and a writing instructor who lives in the Coast Range. She has years of farm experience and appreciation and is excited to continue the tradition of connecting each of you to your fresh veggies and to the farm community. She will be taking over the writing of the weekly Blog, and keeping up with the Facebook/Instagram community. We look forward to sharing this year with her, and I’m sure she is looking forward to getting to know all of the members.

We will continue to keep in touch with news and updates regarding the start of the CSA season. We will continue to attend the Eugene Saturday Market and should begin attending the Portland markets in May. Please feel free to check in with us anytime if you have questions, or would like to be added to our Wait List.

In the meantime, be safe, be happy and eat your veggies!!

Linda and all of your Winter Green Farmers