Field Notes:
Last Friday marked a key point of transition at the College Farm. We bid farewell to our summer student farmers as they prepare to trade days of outdoor farm work for class time within their fields of academic studies. What a wonderful summer it has been!
I shared with our students and apprentices the pleasure I take in watching the personal and physical transformations that transpire over the course of a summer at the farm. Starting full-time work at the farm just after completing a semester of course work and exams many arrive at their first day of work disheveled, under-rested, and dare-I-say, "soft".
Over the course of weeks-turn-months as part of a dynamic team engaged in a variety of tasks - mostly dictated by elements out of our control, like the weather - these former strangers develop deep bonds and enduring friendships. Hours of weeding or harvesting afford time to dive deep into philosophical musings and silly word games, helping to foster connections and an appreciation for work with others.
Starting off "soft" in May, our summer students and apprentices begin to develop callouses on their hands, muscles in new places, farm stains that washing machines can no longer erase, and a kind of attitudinal grit that anchors them in the work of the land. Untamed hair, dirt-stained feet, recycled farm clothes, and a tolerance, nay appreciation for ending a day dirtier than was started reflects how many of our staff round out their summer experience at the farm.
We truly grateful for the hard work and upbeat attitudes that helped to cultivate a strong farm community this summer.
All the best,
jenn
Veggie List For This Week - TWO BAG WEEK (not including melons!!)
- Scallions
- Leeks
- Head Lettuce
- Herbs (Marjoram, Stevia, Sage, Parsley, Thyme)
- Napa Cabbage
- Head Cabbage
- Carrots
- Beets
- Summer Squash
- Zucchini
- Cherry Tomatoes (limited)
- Okra (limited)
- Tomatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Garlic (limited)
- Watermelon
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Spaghetti Squash
- Fennel
- Sweet Corn (limited)
- Spinach
Announcements:
Don't Want A Good Thing to End?!
We invite CSA members not already signed up for the "CSA Extension" option of our 2019 season to consider the opportunity to extend their weekly supply of fresh vegetables from the Dickinson College Farm! Our friends at Harvie have an auto-renew function for CSA programs like ours that offer "extension" options for CSA shares. With this in mind, there are some important details you should know if you want to sign up for the extended season of our CSA program:
- The CSA extension runs six additional weeks (November thru mid-December).
- You can change your place of pick up for the extended season if you'd like. Otherwise, it will remain the same.
- Harvie will auto-renew CSA members not currently signed up for the additional six weeks on October 22nd.
- Member default payment option is whatever payment method the member used on the first order. Members can update what payment option they'd like to be auto renewed into.
- If a member's payment fails at auto renew, they can finish that order via email (much like share deliveries).
- Members can opt out of auto renew if they like through their Harvie account before October 22nd.
- If you already signed up for the CSA extension season, no need to do anything!
Just A Few Reservations Left for Our GATHER Dinner on September 21st!
We are excited to share with you our line-up of talented chefs for the upcoming fall semester. We hope that you will consider joining farm staff and students for a unique dining experience that highlights regional ingredients and local culinary talent.
Our first dinner of the fall season will take place on Saturday, September 21st in the Stern Center Great Room on campus with Scott Robinson, Executive Chef of the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs.
To learn more about GATHER and Chef Robinson plus the September menu and to make a reservation please click here.
Bulk Tomatoes Beets For Sale!
While supplies last, bargain-basement prices available to CSA members! Please contact Jenn Halpin for more details and to place an order (halpinj@dickinson.edu).
Pick-Your-Own Flowers Are STILL in Season!
Our cut flower patch is winding down but we invite you to peruse our cut flower gardens located adjacent to the main parking area. If you need a pair of scissors or rubber bands please look for them beside the sign in sheet in the CSA room. Enjoy!
