Greetings Farm Fam,
2023 is well underway and we’re hard at work sowin’, growin’, and tendin’ the land! Our boots are caked with mud, we’re grateful for all the steps we took last year, and we’re hopeful for the path ahead. Come fire, come rain, come new friends and see how we reflect on the year prior and plan for the year to come.
Last year we watched the land cycle from ash to lush, from lush to dead brush, and from dead brush to muddy mush. We hosted our first Open Farm Days and made lots of new friends; we gained a valiant group of young volunteers who are taking on larger and larger roles with the farm; we attended countless maker’s markets and hosted our first on-farm workshops. Our family is learning to give and receive support from each other as we pursue our passions, we’re bridging our communities, and building relationships founded in mutual love for Mother Earth. Last year, we transformed our small hobby farm, opened up to the community, and have set the foundation for years to come. This year, we build dreams.
On our new 5×8 project white board, we are taking on several infrastructure projects, expanding our farm events, and collaborating with new partners.
Between the Alisal Fire and recent Deluge, we are prioritizing 3 projects that will help us recover and continue to grow our community. Our dirt road many of you have traveled along has taken quite a beating, the roof on the barn is peeling back, and our trails are now entirely impassable. A pair of Santa Barbara Middle Schooler’s are spearheading the trails project with The Bucket Brigade this April, look out for a separate update about that project! As for our roads and roofs, we’re going to need your help. We are still in the assessment phase with these projects and hope you will consider supporting us.
Our family plans to continue working our butts off to get you up to the Farm. This year, we plan to offer Open Farm Days and Workshops at least one weekend out of every month. We’re developing gardening workshops for the spring, cheese making workshops for the summer, harvest preserving for the fall, and more workshop ideas keep popping as our community grows. We’re looking at starting a subscription box, hosting guided goat walks, maybe building an earthen home, and well, we might need a third white board; or, a couple more board members to join the Gaia Farm Family?
With a deep breath, we welcome the return of longer days and thank you for joining us on this path. Drop us a note or come see us up on the farm, our fam is growing everyday!
To close with the words of a young farmer who volunteers with us,
“Be Happy, Ranch Hard, Eat Beef, and Stay Wild”
Tracy, Brian, Nic & Amanda
Gaia Farm 