White Feather Farm News!
The Dirt with Marcos | White Feather Farm News
January 15, 2025
There's something magical about January at White Feather Farm. The quiet fields rest under their winter blanket, but beneath the surface, life continues its steady rhythm. As I walk the snow-dusted paths of our beloved farm and learning landscape, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we shared in 2024 – a year that saw our community grow in ways we never imagined.
From the joyful faces at our May Open House and Farm Stand Opening to the focused determination of Farm Crew, every moment reinforced what makes this place special: the connections we make through sustainable organic farming, experiential education, and innovative research. We welcomed over 1,000 participants to our educational programs, shared the bounty of our fields through 818 pounds of donated produce, and watched in wonder as our farm stand became a true gathering place for neighbors and friends.
As we step into 2025, my heart swells with gratitude for the new opportunities ahead. Thanks to the New York State Council on the Arts, we're launching "Little Seedlings," a program that will introduce our youngest community members to the magic of nature through art. Picture tiny hands creating maple tree masterpieces and little ones learning about pollinators through playful parades – this is how we nurture the next generation of land stewards. We’ll also be able to bring new music and theater experiences to our Broken Wing Barn for the community to gather.
Our commitment to innovation continues to grow stronger. With ongoing support from American Farmland Trust, our biochar research is literally breaking new ground in sustainable agriculture. The Carbon Sponge Hub is expanding its vital work in climate-smart farming, while our herbarium project carefully documents the rich biodiversity that calls our farm home.
Each season brings its own gifts, and this year promises to be exceptional. With support from the Ulster Savings Community Foundation and the Saugerties Arts Commission, we're enhancing our community festivals and bringing new performances to the farm. As the earth slowly wakes from its winter rest, we're preparing for another year of growth, discovery, and shared moments that make this community so special.
Here's to 2025 – may it be a year of abundant harvests, joyful learning, and deeper connections for us all.
With Gratitude,
Marcos Stafne, Executive Director, White Feather Farm
The Dirt with Marcos | White Feather Farm News
November 13, 2024
Connecting Community Through Film, Food, and Song
As the autumn leaves painted the Hudson Valley in brilliant hues, White Feather Farm came alive with a series of extraordinary events that brought our community together through the universal languages of film, food, and song.
The Jungle: A Call to Agricultural Awareness
Our month began with a powerful screening of "The Jungle" on October 15th, a thought-provoking documentary that reimagines Upton Sinclair's groundbreaking work for our modern era. Emmy-nominated director Matt Wechsler, alongside executive producer and former New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman, led an illuminating post-screening discussion about the future of sustainable agriculture (moderated by Ocean 8 Film’s Jon Bowermaster). The conversation, featuring regenerative agriculture pioneer Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, sparked important dialogues about indigenous farming practices and their potential to revolutionize our food systems.
Jon Bowermaster, The Jungle Screening at WFF
The Jungle Screening at WFF
An Evening with Robert Burke Warren: Music for a Cause
Robert Burke Warren, An evening with Absent Friends Fundraiser at WFF
As November arrived, we welcomed the community for a special celebration featuring Robert Burke Warren's "An Evening with Absent Friends." In collaboration with the Woodstock Rotary Club, the evening of November 2nd wasn't just about enchanting music and memories—it served a greater purpose, raising funds for college scholarships for Onteora High School students and supporting the Good Neighbor Food Pantry of Woodstock through our Farm to Neighbor: Planting Possibilities Holiday Appeal. Between the gourmet refreshments, silent auction, and Warren's captivating performance, the night exemplified how art can be a catalyst for positive community change.
Mark Kanter and Robin Kahn of Woodstock Rotary Club, An evening with Absent Friends Fundraiser at WFF
Silent Auction Patron, An evening with Absent Friends Fundraiser at WFF
Live Reading of Parking Spot: the Musical! at WFF
Parking Spot: The Musical! A Theatrical Delight
Most recently, on November 10th, we partnered with the Woodstock Film Festival to host a live reading of "Parking Spot: The Musical!" This delightful production, penned by local filmmaker and freestyle rapper Louis Armistead, with music by the talented duo of Dash Hammerstein and Erick Eiser, brought our community together through laughter and song. The musical's clever premise—neighbors battling over a single parking spot—served as a witty metaphor for community dynamics and the importance of sharing our spaces.
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These events embody our commitment to fostering meaningful connections through cultural experiences. From addressing crucial environmental issues to supporting local education and celebrating artistic expression, each gathering has strengthened the bonds that make our community special.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated, supported, and shared in these memorable moments. As we look forward to future gatherings, we remain dedicated to our mission of bringing people together through enriching cultural experiences that educate and inspire.
With Gratitude,
Marcos Stafne, Executive Director, White Feather Farm
The Dirt with Marcos | White Feather Farm News
August 14, 2024
Soil Fest 2024 Recap: Celebrating the Ground Beneath Our Feet
The day began with the thought-provoking Carbon Sponge program led by researcher Brooke Singer. Participants embarked on a guided meditation through the layers of the earth and the respiration cycle, setting the tone for a day of deep connection with our environment. Brooke highlighted the crucial role of soil in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, featuring the Carbon Sponge's work with sorghum as a climate-resilient, soil-friendly crop. The program also shed light on how small farms across the Hudson Valley are engaging in soil testing through the Small Farms Carbon Sponge Hub, emphasizing the importance of local action in global sustainability efforts.
The "Dirt It Yourself" workshop buzzed with activity as attendees delved into the world of composting, biochar, and regenerative practices. Conversations flowed as freely as the compost tea being brewed, with our staff tirelessly sharing knowledge about sustainable soil management. The community's hunger for this information was both inspiring and invigorating.
On July 27, White Feather Farm welcomed nearly 100 soil enthusiasts for Soil Fest 2024, a day dedicated to honoring and understanding the complex ecosystem that sustains all life on Earth. The event showcased the magic that happens when a community comes together to celebrate and learn about the very foundation of our existence.
Families joined in the fun with our Soil Safari and Scavenger Hunt, exploring the farm and uncovering the hidden wonders of soil ecosystems. The palpable excitement from both children and adults as they searched for items all over the farm. served as a heartening reminder that curiosity about our environment knows no age limit.
As the afternoon progressed, Arrowood Farm Brewery's Alternative Grain Beer Tasting offered a unique perspective on the relationship between soil health and our food systems. Participants sipped on beers brewed with locally grown sorghum and rice while discussing the vital role of crop diversity in maintaining soil vitality.
Throughout the day, the USDA Soil Shop provided free lead screenings of soil samples, underscoring the direct impact of soil health on our daily lives and well-being. This practical application of soil science brought home the importance of understanding and caring for the earth beneath our feet.
The event culminated with a lively performance by O'Sullivan's March, their Celtic and Irish tunes celebrating cultural roots as deep and varied as the soil ecosystems we'd spent the day exploring.
“Soil Fest 2024 was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of community action in addressing global challenges. Each workshop, conversation, and handful of soil examined represented a step towards a more sustainable future. At White Feather Farm, a Certified Naturally Grown and Real Organic Farm, we prioritize soil health every day, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable agriculture.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, our partners (including The Ground Up Food Truck for their delicious offerings), and the countless microorganisms working tirelessly beneath our feet. You are all integral to nurturing the foundation of life itself.
As we move forward, let's carry this energy with us. Every garden planted, every compost pile turned, and every sustainable choice made honors the intricate web of life that begins with healthy soil. By caring for our soil, we care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Here's to dirty hands and bright futures. Until next year's Soil Fest, keep digging deep and nurturing the earth beneath your feet!
With Gratitude,
Marcos Stafne, Executive Director, White Feather Farm
The Dirt with Marcos | White Feather Farm News
June 20,2024
There’s a popular adage by Gary Snyder that goes "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."
Last month, we welcomed a community of those who feel at home in nature to our Open House at White Feather Farm. As the new Executive Director, I was inspired by the incredible turnout and the enthusiasm of both new and returning visitors. It was a privilege to meet so many of you, to hear your stories, and to witness the deep connection you feel to this special place.
From the informative farm and greenhouse tours led by our knowledgeable farmers, to the enchanting storytelling of Wade Baker and the lively Balkan tunes of Mac&Cheeze, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Hands-on activities like seed bomb making and the soil stew workshop allowed visitors of all ages to engage with the promise of organic farming, while our biochar demonstration provided valuable insights for those seeking to deepen their understanding of sustainable practices to help enrich the soil.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our remarkable team for their hard work in putting together such an exceptional event. Their dedication and passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship were evident in every aspect of the day.
As I embark on my journey at White Feather Farm, I am energized by the vital role this organization plays in fostering a love and appreciation for the potential of organic farming. We are not just a farm, but a model for sustainable living, an educational resource, and a catalyst for positive change. I look forward to learning more about our local community and working with all of you to continue cultivating and celebrating the beauty and purpose of this extraordinary place we call home.
We can't wait to welcome you back to the farm soon, where nature's beauty is always ready to nourish our stomachs souls! And remember, our farm stand is open every Saturday from 9am-2pm throughout the summer, offering the freshest, most beautiful produce around.
With Gratitude,
Marcos Stafne, Executive Director, White Feather Farm