What does it mean to be part of community?

What does it mean to be part of a community? Once a young boy was visiting the farm from the city, and sitting in the twilight of a still summer sunset, he looked around and announced, “I could never live here, it’s so lonely!” His parents giggled nervously. I smiled and lowered myself to his height to divulge a secret, “But... we’re not alone right now. Listen, do you hear the frogs croaking to one another? The deer crackling over fallen branches in the woods? The wild ducks taking off in flight from the pond? Do you smell the fragrant plants in the fields? See the fireflies twinkling in the distance?” We are always surrounded by a community of beings that we support, and that support us, if we open our eyes to it and take notice.

It is with this spirit that we would like to acknowledge and thank some very special beings in our community that have supported us this season in so many ways. Thank you to our Herbal CSA members whose membership is vital, and a primary source of motivation for us to keep growing plant medicine for our community. Thank you to the amazing local shops carrying our products, your authenticity and commitment to the local community is real and inspiring. Thank you to our fellow farmers and land stewards who collaborated with us this year to implement regenerative practices on more land! Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who generously brought us out to teach permaculture and plant medicine, enabling us to share what inspires us. Thank you to our apprentice program participants, and our longtime friend and official volunteer for your genuine participation. Thank you to our mentors, fellow designers, and collaborators for galvanizing us to continue to expand our vision for widespread earth renewal. Thank you our wholesale buyers for valuing local and organic. And thank you to everyone that attended classes with us, purchased products, and supported our work this year. The anatomy of our community is what keeps us upright and growing. Thanks to the bees, the trees, the rain, and the sun. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.