All Blog Posts (84)

Agriculture Program Director 

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) envision a Commonwealth that is thriving as a result of people’s commitment to creating healthy, active, and green communities. We believe that a sustainable local food system that is inclusive of all people is fundamental to a vibrant future for Massachusetts as a sustainable system reaps a myriad of environmental, social and economic benefits for individuals and local communities.  In…

At a recent Livestock Fencing Workshop held at the University of Rhode Island’s Peckham Farm, URI, Professor Michael Sullivan introduced David Kennard as “THE Fence Guy. Kennard discussed selecting the right fence for your needs and budget, installing and maintaining fences. Afterwards, the group of …

Dave and Sasha Purpura have grown their German Extra Hardy, Russian Red and Music Garlic organically for five years, saving and replanting their largest …

Working carefully, taking care of your bones and…

In conjunction with the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Locavore Challenge, The Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm is hosting a community potluck as we continue to strive to build community around food.  Create a dish using as many local, organic ingredients as possible and join us at the farm pavilion at 5:30pm to share a delicious meal together.  You’ll also be able to taste your way through the Children’s Garden and meet our chickens and pigs!  We hope to see you there.  Rain or…

Young Farmer Nights are held alternate Tuesday nights each summer in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The evenings include a farm tour, potluck supper and bonfire. Farm owners, farm workers,  interns and gardeners get together, talk about farming, share a potluck supper and build a network of peers and…

Congratulations to Stu Nunnery, Director of RICAPE (RI Center for Agricultural Promotion and Education), for receiving an $85,000 …

This week we had several programs, each very different from the others. From teens to summer campers, the Sylvia Center will have interacted with around 100 kids by this week's end!

On Tuesday, a small group of teenagers from Albany came to Katchkie Farm. These teens were involved in a "youth organics" summer program, so they already had some gardening experience under their belts. They also had plenty of enthusiasm for and interest in the day's activities. They scuffle-hoed large…

Lately, we have been occupied with multiple farm-to-table education programs for kids, the weekly harvest, and the farmer's market.  Here at the Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm, we call this phenomenon 'July.' It is easy to get overwhelmed by looking at the July chalkboard calendar on the office wall (nearly every day has some sort of color-coded chalk note), but the good humor and 'we're-all-in-this-together' attitude of my co-workers keep spirits high and operations in…

Craig and Sheryl Floyd shared their farm story at a recent workshop hosted by CT NOFA. The Floyds raise grass-fed pork, heirloom beef, poultry (turkeys, layer chickens and broilers)…

Breene Hollow Farm, in West Greenwich, RI, has a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan developed with NRCS staff and has implemented several conservation programs with help from NRCS staff and Technical Service…

RI Governor…

You can’t eat more LOCALLY than from your own back yard. Go ahead! Try growing some lettuce. Plant a few tomatoes, peppers and herbs this spring. This summer and fall, you and your family could share delicious local, nutritious meals. Here are some tips for beginning vegetable growers and sources of more information. [more]…

Do you and your customers want healthy, tasty melons from your high tunnels?