The growing season is winding down at the Ecolibrium3 Urban Farm, and the first frost has arrived! Before we wrap up another season at the farm, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the many community members, students, and partners who visited us throughout the year. This year, our Farm Saturdays program series hosted 18 free workshops and events that welcomed more than 150 visitors to explore the farm, connect with our team, and learn more about the food growing in their community. We are so thankful to everyone who stopped by and helped make the farm such a welcoming place this season!
We also welcomed more than 180 participants through group visits and educational programs. Lake Superior College’s Ecology and Sustainability classes visited the farm for guided tours and students from University of Minnesota Duluth’s Sustainable Food Systems class explored the connections between farming, sustainability, and local food systems. We also enjoyed visits from YMCA KeyZone kids in grades K–5, Lincoln Park Middle School’s 8th-grade Family and Consumer Sciences class, Harbor City students, and other community groups. From young students getting hands-on learning about farming to college students exploring sustainable food systems, these visits gave people an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with where their food comes from. We are grateful to all of our community partners for helping make the farm a place for learning and connection!
While visitors have been keeping the farm lively, the crops have been telling their own story: fall has arrived. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the conditions have changed for our warm-weather crops such as basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, and they stopped producing. The first frost then made it official, closing the chapter on our summer harvest.
As we wrap up the growing season, we want to thank everyone who visited, engaged, and partnered with us. Between our Farm Saturdays, free workshops and events, and group visits, more than 300 people spent time at the farm this season! While things may be winding down in the fields, there is still plenty of planning behind the scenes as we prepare for next year. Stay connected with Ecolibrium3 to learn about upcoming opportunities to visit, volunteer, and get involved at the farm. We hope to see you again next season!