Friends of Holcomb Farm

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A tranquil winter view looking south from Hilltop Field on the Holcomb Tree Trail. Photo by Sue Canavan

Friends of Holcomb Farm welcome spring

As I write this, the thermometer is having trouble reaching 20 after dipping close to zero last night. The ice throughout the woods and trails makes hikes without micro-spikes downright dangerous. But, spring springs eternal! By the time you read this, a drive around Granby will reveal the buckets hung and sap tanks filling, and maybe steam rising from a sugar house or two.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm may have been quiet, but we are busy. Be sure to take note of some of the dates you should put on your calendar.

Farm-to-Table Sunday Brunch and Fun: June 26

The past two years of coronavirus-related safety measures meant we were unable to host our annual Harvest Dinner fundraiser for our Fresh Access program. Many of you stepped-up with financial support along the way, thank you, and we have been able to increase the distribution of Holcomb Farm fresh produce to meet the increased number of people in need these last two years. But we miss the camaraderie of having everyone together. So, we have decided not to wait for the fall harvest and instead will celebrate the beginning of the growing season at the Farm on June 26 with a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details are being worked out, but mark your calendars now for this opportunity to enjoy great food and family fun in support of a good cause: helping provide healthy, farm-fresh produce to food-insecure people in Granby and the Greater Hartford area.

Buy Fresh and Local—Even in the Depths of Winter

The winter veggies that were stored have given sustenance throughout these cold months, and we are planning one more Drive-Through Veggie Sale, March 17-19, to include fresh shoots and microgreens coming from our hoop houses. The sale will be at the CSA Barn, 111 Simsbury Road, and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Watch social media or your email for more information. If you don’t get our emails and want to, please contact cathy@holcombfarm.org and ask her to add your name to our list!

Then, on Thursday, April 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., we will join others for an outdoor Spring Holiday Market at Lost Acres Vineyard, where you can also buy breads, cheeses, wines, baked goods, pork, beef, lamb and more for your spring celebrations.

In mid-May, we will have our annual plant and seedling sale. Exact dates and times remain TBD, but public interest and demand has grown every year, and Farmer Joe is responding in kind. Again, stay tuned to social media and your email and next month’s Granby Drummer for more information.

CSA and Farm Store

June 20 marks the start of the 20-week CSA and retail farm store opening. In the past couple of years, the CSA shares have sold out early, and this year we are on track for the same, so please don’t miss your chance. Sign up as soon as possible on the website: Go to holcombfarm.org, then select “Summer/Winter CSA” under the CSA and Farm Store tab.

Tree Trail and Hiking Updates

As we wait to see the young trees on our Tree Trail begin to bud, more educational opportunities related to this great Granby resource are being developed. Thanks to a mini grant from the Granby Education Foundation, we will be adding educational panels along the trails.

As previously reported, the main foot bridge connecting the Holcomb Farm campus to the western hills was wiped out by Hurricane Ida. The town is busy exploring grants to support rebuilding the bridge, so watch for more information on this.

The Farmhouse

The Town has secured a STEAP grant from the State which, together with other funds, will be used to paint the historic, iconic farmhouse this summer.

Lots more is happening, all designed to make sure that this historic property serves the Granby community. Anyone with questions is invited to reach out through the website, or by email to info@holcombfarm.org

Stay warm and enjoy watching the days lengthen.

Even in the depths of winter, members of the Holcomb Farm Crew are busy tending to the veggies in their care. Don’t miss the farm’s next big Drive-Through Sale at the Farm Store/CSA Barn at Holcomb Farm, March 17 and 18 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and March 19 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Photo by Tom Spatcher