| Winter 2023
Volunteer Impact
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No kale left behind! CWD Volunteers collected over 160lbs of kale.
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The mild weather in November and December provided a unique extended window for the farm's growing fields, and thanks to the dedicated efforts of farmers and volunteers, we seized every opportunity to collect an unprecedented harvest.
In the past weeks, over 45 volunteers generously contributed over 206 hours of their time, with notable turnouts for native plant tasks and community work days. We so appreciate all of these helping hands!
We met our harvest goal, and we moved the donation goalpost not just once, but twice! If you haven't seen that donation number yet, scroll down to see how we collected so much thanks to our volunteers, and what the final amount was.
While the upcoming weeks will see a quieter volunteer schedule, our doors remain open, and we're thrilled to introduce a revitalized Saturday program lineup starting in January. Come and see for yourself what makes our farm truly special during the winter season! We can't wait to share the joy of nature with you, and grow more together for 2024.
Merry Holidays and Happy New Year!
See you at the farm,
Cynthia
HHF Food Donation + Volunteer Coordinator
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"We can create the future we want. The people are calling for it. The planet is calling for it. It's time for us to level up, and rise to the occasion."
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- New schedule for 2024! - |
On the first Saturday of each month, we extend an open invitation to the community to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand on the farm. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just eager to get your hands dirty, we welcome all willing hands to join in. We can't cultivate success in 2024 without you!
Our next Community Work Day will take place on Saturday, January 6th from 1pm - 3pm.
Reserve your spot today.
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We'll take fog over rain any day!
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December's Community Work Day
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The enchanting scene of the farm cloaked in a veil of fog added a touch of magic to our December Community Work Day. Volunteers turned out in force and made sure that every last bit of produce was gathered from the fields before the impending frosts transformed them from vegetables into compost.
Our volunteers honed their harvest techniques, shooed away voles and field mice, and packed donation boxes 'til they couldn't close. A total of three car loads were required to ferry this bounty to our pantry partner afterwards. It was an amazing haul!
Scroll down to the end of this newsletter to see just how many boxes and total pounds of produce were donated as a result of this event- and for 2023's final total!
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This year's Daikon radishes and Red King radishes were particularly big, and it was great to see just how many could fit into a box. Topping, or removing the green stalks from the radish root, was helpful in making space.
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A total of 600 lbs of radishes, including both Daikon and Red King varieties, were successfully harvested!
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It took three farm truck trips just to have space for more boxes.
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Dedicated volunteers helped weigh, label, and neatly stack each donation box. We're not only contributing nourishment, but also improving the distribution process.
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Thank you to all of our CWD volunteers!
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We are excited to announce some special dates for the winter: mark your calendar for the first Saturday of each month – your adventure at the farm awaits!
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Blue Rock School students put their green thumbs to the test during a balmy November afternoon of volunteering and had a mission to harvest both carrots and native seeds. Armed with digging forks, they uncovered carrots and marveled at the gorgeous shapes these roots grew into and how delicious they still were.
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The group harvested an impressive 255 lbs of carrots—a testament to their dedication and appreciation for the hard work involved in a bountiful harvest!
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This season marked the exciting debut of dried beans at our farm stand, all thanks to the shelling efforts of our volunteers.
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Volunteers have donned gloves and helped wash, organize, and sanitize bins to ensure a smooth start when the growing season unfolds next year.
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Several school groups pitched in with Native Plant preparations, making a dent in the myriad tasks this program needs to check off before the cold really sets in.
A huge thank you to all of the visiting students and teachers who pitched in with seed collection, seed cleaning, sowing and mulching!
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Native seed cleaning is in full swing!
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Thanks to the hard work of our farmers and volunteers, and especially our large gleaning events, we have hit a new food donation record!
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See here how many boxes of food were collected by volunteers at our December CWD!
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A staff member shares their favorite view of the farm's winter sunset.
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"Try and leave this world a little better than you found it." |
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Stay up-to-date with current activities and future events by following us on your favorite social media channels.
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1271 Hanover Street | Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 US
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