Submitted by Sweetbriar Farm.
There is a not so small miracle you’ve probably driven by hundreds of times on Center Road. The Sweetbriar Farm has been growing literally tons of organic veggies for donation to the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s FoodShare (https://lifrc.org/foodshare/) and the Grow-A-Rowprogram (https://lopezlocavores.org/grow-a-row/)sponsored by the Lopez Island Locavores. It’s an effort led by Doug Benoliel and Tamara Buchanan, with a number of regular volunteers, since the spring of 2020.
They are currently on pace to harvest and donate 5,000-6,000 pounds of vegetables and tree fruit this year. That includes one thousand pounds of tomatoes and 1,600 bundles of leafy greens.
As part of the upcoming Farm Tours of the San Juans, the Sweetbriar Farm is opening its gates to the public on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m., offering an intimate glimpse into the soul of sustainable agriculture and volunteer-driven dedication on Lopez Island. A guided tour will start at 2 p.m. Expect to be welcomed warmly, whether by Tamara and Doug themselves or by the dedicated volunteers who return season after season to ensure the Sweetbriar’s success. As part of your visit, you will have the chance to join in harvesting the bounty that directly supports families and individuals in need on the island. And if you’re interested in more, join as a weekly volunteer to help work the soil, plant and harvest – learn farming techniques from a master farmer and take home a few pounds each week of amazing produce.
Mark your calendar for a visit to the Sweetbriar Farm to experience the profound impact that one small farm can have on the community. Whether you are passionate about sustainable agriculture, community activism, or looking for a meaningful way to spend few hours a week with an engaging group of fellow Lopezians, the Sweetbriar offers a rare chance to walk the walk, literally and figuratively, on the path toward a more connected, food-resilient future.
For more details and to register, visit the Farm Tours San Juans website (https://www.farmtourssanjuans.com).
