Friends of Holcomb Farm

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Photo by Jack Lareau

Grant funds have allowed the purchase of some new trees and tree species labels to augment the miles of hiking trails at the Holcomb Farm.

2018 in Review

The Board of the Friends of Holcomb Farm spent the year-end season assessing results from the year and planning for 2019. As a non-profit organization, we rely on members, volunteers, and farm store, restaurant and CSA customers to do what we do:

Make a difference in the lives of people who are food-insecure, with limited access to farm-fresh produce, or fighting a health crisis. In 2018, we were able to donate more than 8 tons (worth more than $25,000) of produce to people in need, in Granby and throughout the region, through our Fresh Access program; and

Offer educational and recreational programs that promote healthy living and conservation, advocate for all local farms and for the responsible maintenance of all 312 acres of this farm, including its trails, fields, woodlands, and the CSA Barn and Farm Store.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm operate Holcomb Farm’s farming programs, maintain the trails, and steward and advocate for the land. We do this with the support of our members; and a strong membership is critical to our success.

Why join Holcomb Farm? To honor Granby’s agricultural heritage; to protect our environment; to support local farmers; and to make a healthy difference in the lives of people in need. To become a member (for just $25 annually) or donate to the annual fund drive, or otherwise get involved, visit holcombfarm.org/friends-of-holcomb-farm. Many thanks to those who already support us.

Taste The Difference; Make A Difference!

CSA Summer Shares are the most economical way to put fresh, local, chemical-free produce on your table from June through October—unless you grow it yourself. Our summer shares are already on sale, and Farmer Joe O’Grady promises another year of delicious, nutritious produce. Learn more and reserve your share of the summer bounty at holcombfarm.org/join-our-csa.

Our Friends at Metro Bis

If you’ve never been to Metro Bis in Simsbury, you really need to go. Executive Chef Chris Prosperi is a good friend to Holcomb Farm and features Holcomb Farm produce on his menu all year long, even in the cold, dark days of February. Chef Prosperi also hosts our annual Harvest Dinner at his restaurant each fall, a large undertaking for which we are immensely grateful.

This month, Metro Bis will be moving to a new location, the former Ensign Mansion at 690 Hopmeadow Street at the corner of Hopmeadow Street and Drake Hill Road. The spectacular brownstone Renaissance Revival building, built in 1905, will provide a beautiful home for our friends at Metro Bis and we wish them the very best of luck with their move.

Winter Projects

To enjoy New England winters, remember that there is no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing choices. So, bundle up and slap on hiking boots, snowshoes or skis, and check out the Farm’s miles of trails. Grants have allowed for the planning of a variety of new trees, and a labeling project is underway, with an interactive map to follow. In the meantime, go to our website to obtain a PDF of the trail map and to learn about hikes organized by the Friends of Holcomb Farm. While you’re there, sign up for our email list so that we can notify you about upcoming hikes and other special events. Plans are underway now for a snowshoe walk on Sunday, Feb. 17; details to follow.

Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

Sally King and Willie, an Australian Shepherd, enjoy a brisk walk on one of the many trails at Holcomb Farm.

Enhanced farming operations continue, thanks to several grants. Our main greenhouse now has cement floors to enhance its use for both plant propagation and produce distribution to shareholders and Fresh Access partners. Our farming equipment has a new run-in shed to protect it from the elements and extend its useful life. But, the work is never done, and the board is already exploring additional grants, fundraising, and donation possibilities.