Dear Farm Members and Friends,                                                       March 2020 

 

Quite suddenly our lives have been disrupted, and we are all very concerned about keeping each other safe.  With all the uncertainty, and the stress that these sudden changes are bringing, it is good to notice what is also occurring -- all the many efforts we are all making as a community on behalf of others, and especially the most vulnerable.  Of course, these extra efforts, and all the time spent figuring out what needs to happen, is a lot for all of us. We are hoping that you are able to find ways to continue to connect (if only virtually), get enough rest and exercise, and take good care of yourselves through this very challenging time. We've included two helpful links below that you may find useful for reducing stress and increasing your immunity.

 

Because of the added demands and the need for physical distancing, we've cancelled our programs at the Farm for now. We do, however, want to invite you to use the outdoor space with your family in whatever way is helpful to you - walking, exploring the woods, or just resting in nature.  Being in the woods is one of the most powerful antidotes to the fast-paced change and anxious uncertainty we are all experiencing, so we hope you will take advantage of the Farm as a haven.  If you prefer to be more active, we do have an ongoing effort to restore the remaining trails and address the invasive plants in the tornado-damaged areas, and any help would be appreciated. All the work can be done from a safe distance without requiring contact with others. Just let us know via email if you plan to wander the woods, or if you have time and interest and want to join a work event.  As always when in the woods, take precautions to protect yourself from ticks, avoid contact with poison ivy, watch out for hanging tree limbs that have not yet been removed, and please respect others by avoiding close proximity. Thank you to Susan Michler, who lives in the farmhouse, for helping to clear the trail for all to enjoy. If you'd like some outdoor family activity ideas to take out to the farm with you, let us know, we would be happy to help. Just a reminder that our chickens roaming free so no dogs please. Thanks. 

 

We'd like to suggest, in lieu of this year's dues, that you consider a modest donation to the Farm solely to help with costs of upkeep and the reclamation of trails and woodland areas. The River Valley Nature School and Wild and Free have been making great use of this wonderful outdoor environment and we hope scheduled plans to host the public school kindergarten classes in Lewisburg will be able to happen later this year, as well as our Youth Theater, Arts, Food Week this summer as such we will have to continue with our normal work in the garden and upkeep of the barn, food forest and lawns as well as our operating costs of liability insurance, website costs, and ongoing restoration of the tornado damage. Our suggested donation is half of our regular membership dues - $30 for single members and $60 for families. Of course any amount, large or small, will be appreciated. We do rely on your memberships, and we are grateful for your support.

 

As the threat of the virus recedes over the next weeks and months, we will resume hosting groups at the Farm that align with our mission, but we will not be offering our usual programming. We will devote our energy to addressing the storm damage and exploring new sources of funding to ensure the Farm is financially sustainable so that we are able to continue to provide programs and an outdoor learning environment for those we are currently serving. 

 

Our hope is that this crisis will elevate the awareness of the importance of community connections and for rebalancing our relationship with the natural world, for our own health and wellbeing, for the health of the planet, and for those who come next.  Keep in touch. We are wishing you all the best and please know, if you have urgent needs, we are happy to do what we can to help.

 

Love, the K-G's

 

 

Caring for Self and Others in Times of Trouble

 

Herbal Prevention and Treatment of SARS-type infections including COVID-19