Land's Sake Farm in Weston plans sustainable remodels to stay open year-round

WESTON — For 42 years, Land's Sake Farm has been running with borrowed electricity and no indoor plumbing. But new, sustainable improvements will help it continue its mission and make it "the little farm that could."

Right now, a series of extension cords runs through the farm, borrowing juice from neighbors' homes. This has kept Land’s Sake operating all these years.

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To bring it into the 21st century, the farm has embarked on a two-phase capital campaign, called "Grow With Us," to improve functionality, farm more sustainably and serve the community year round. About $4 million has been raised so far; the goal is $6 million.

“We want people to come and enjoy the land. That’s what we’re here for and that’s where our name comes from, for the sake of the land,” said Pam Hess, the farm’s executive director.

Phase one is already up and running. The greenhouse and hoop houses began growing tomatoes, peppers and other produce since May — which board member Bob Glowacky said is unheard of in New England.

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“Our farmers are growing more, but we are donating more seasonally and poundage-wise,” said Hess.

Each day, the farm stand is set up and taken down — a three-hour process, said Hilton. The stand was built 40 years ago as a temporary structure.

"Despite everything, I think this is the little farm that could," Glowacky said.

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Phase two of Grow With Us will transform Land Sake’s Farm stand into a permanent structure with solar panels, restrooms with running water, indoor and outdoor seating, a coffee bar, storage (refrigeration, root cellar, and on-site wash station) and a demonstration kitchen that offers community cooking, fresh farm meals, and workshops.

Hess said the goal is to break ground on the new farm stand next spring and complete it by January 2024. Until construction is finished, the farm will sell its products out of a newly built animal barn.

“It's (the remodel) taking us from a seasonal operation to being on the farm year round to be able to enjoy the farm and really support the community beyond year round,” Hess said.

All of the farm’s architectural work is done pro bono by Payette, a Boston firm.

Maintaining the legacy

In 1980, Land’s Sake Farm was founded, according to its website, by a group of "agrarian-minded folks" based on the importance of sustainability and preservation. Besides the 40-acre spread, the farm has three satellite properties in Weston that are only for growing.

Those at the farm still embody the ideals the founders made 42 years ago in various ways such as education programs, locally sourcing maple syrup — with the help of students and volunteers — in the winter, and its Community Supported Agriculture program, also called a CSA.

People can purchase shares in the winter or early spring and have weekly pick-up times for farm-grown, sustainable produce.

While grabbing vegetables and herbs, you can also pick your own personal bouquet. Available from June to September, Land’s Sake Farm lets customers pick their own flowers for $15 (the price of the reusable container) and $12 for a refill. Don’t forget to bring your own scissors, though.

“I love that I make a space beautiful for people to experience and spark that little wonder and excitement to make them want to come back to the farm,” said Julia Toropov, flower manager.

Land’s Sake also established deep roots in the Weston community by working with public schools on several programs that teach kids the basics of agriculture, ecology and sustainability.

The farm has various summer programs available for children from kindergarten to grade 12. They started June 27 and conclude on Aug. 26.

Weekly sessions (from June 27 to Aug. 19) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, for grades 1-8 are $425 for non-members and $385 for Land’s Sake Family Level members and above. Daily sessions (Aug. 22-26) take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are $80 for non-members and $60 for Land’s Sake Family Level members and above. The farm also offers financial aid.

For older kids, there are educational and farm summer internships that run from June 27 to Aug. 26. Farm internships can occur over the course of one week or take place once a week. Internships give older kids hands-on leadership in guiding the younger ones through farm responsibilities, games, gardening, animal care and more.

At the farm’s Educational Garden, children can learn the whole growing process of vegetables and other plants. Education Manager Katrina Goldowsky-Dill also leads field trips for Weston Public Schools.

Educating the children and connecting them to nature is important to the farm “so they know where their carrots come from,” Hilton said.

“There’s such a disconnect when you go, ‘Where’s your food come from?’ and (they say) ‘Oh, the grocery store…’ it’s really sad, ” she said.

The education programs trace back to 1991 when Land's Sake merged with Weston’s Green Power Program — founded by Bill McElwain in 1970.

Donating to food banks

Land’s Sake not only educates others on food insecurity and hunger relief, but also donates about 30% of its produce to several local food banks such as Love In Spoonfuls, Boston Area Gleaners and Food For Free, Hilton said. Last year, Land’s Sake donated about $92,000 worth of produce.

Donations to the farm’s hunger relief program are also encouraged.

“We’re all about engaging with the community, whether all they want to do is pick a flower, volunteer or help us in the field,” Hess said.

Family Farm Nights are another way Land's Sake engages with people. They take place from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays, running from July 28 to Aug. 18, and families can bring blankets and enjoy live music and local food vendors.

Education programs, the hunger relief aid, and even the generous help from the neighbors loaning electricity, sheep and goats embody the deep-seeded connection Land’s Sake has with the community.

“I want it to stay the best-kept secret but also stand on the rooftops for everyone to come… this is where the magic is,” said Glowacky.

Land’s Sake Farm is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekend days.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Land's Sake Farm's sustainable additions benefit farm and community