What's New on the Farm?

 

Just thought I'd send out an update on farm life since it's all been about the disappointment of the City's dismal failure to do what the community asked and approve our re-zoning. 

Life does go on, as it has to. 

While our CSA enrollment is way down this year, likely due to all of the drama and uncertainty on top of a less than stellar summer growing season, is my guess, I'm still growing food. I've got a lovely younger farmer here helping me now, as well,  she is growing her own crops for her own uses, as she learns working with me. I've been teaching her to drive the tractor, use drip tapes for irrigation and succession planting. 

It's what I envisioned to a large degree going forward. Passing on the knowledge and experiences I have been fortunate enough to acquire over my lifetime. We have some pretty fun conversations - she seems to laugh a lot - maybe I should look into stand up and simply describe various life events? 

I guess you could say my journey has been anything but ordinary. I mean I started out like any normal kid, I guess. Then, I moved pretty far from home, which was the first out of ordinary thing I did. But I was not in love with winter weather and I was ready to move to a warmer place. 

Down here, I ended up finding the cutest little "house in the woods" of south east Dallas, where I spent many years and held many different jobs. Eventually, I ended up here where I am now, and farming, and of course that's what the majority of our chats are about. 

How I never intended to become a farmer. That all was unplanned. But, as I've said many times, it's been the most gratifying "job" I've held. And if my school of hard knocks lessons can help someone else, it's worth all of the messes, cuts and bruises, miscalculations and mistakes. 

Buying this land was just meant to be an investment during a time when I was preparing for my eventual retirement.  I never dreamed how attached to the place I'd end up becoming. Nor, that I'd end up living here. But here we are! It's made for some interesting chats. 

So this week while planting and watering and weeding, among other things, we've been talking about how cool it would be if a non-profit organization could take over the place and create a permanent base for several local food-oriented groups. That would mean selling to them, instead of some commercial developer sure not to take as much care about the trees, the land and the natural environment. 

I hear all of the time about different groups that have to pull up stakes and move their operations - over and over again. It's not only expensive, but it's disheartening to watch all of the work put into a place left behind. Community gardens, the infrastructure that can't be moved, and all of the work put into the soil of growing and livestock operations. It's not at all like packing up some office into boxes. 

So how much better would it be for each of say, two or three groups to come together with their missions and divvy up the place - under one parent organization that could act as a sort of property manager for them? They'd have a board made up of some new people, some folks from each of the existing boards and hire an independent director. They'd each pay into the parent organization to fund the (part time, so it's not a drain on the funds), director - maybe a retired and experienced person. 

That would free up the individual directors to run their organizations and not worry about collecting rent from any vendors, paying property taxes and utility bills, etc. They'd handle capital improvements, too. Perimeter fencing, the bones of the farm house restoration like plumbing, windows, exterior, insulation. 

One group could then could finish out the inside and turn the old house into a market store/coffee shop and use it also to hold classes, feature local artists, artisanal foods, etc. Another group that focuses on livestock husbandry could use the vast pasture for small livestock/chickens - and, it would create an opportunity to launch a mobile "processing" facility, too. Small farms need access to small processors. And there's plenty of room for portable office space!

Of course agri-tourism would be a big part of the income - seasonal long table dinners, field trips - both for kids and adults.   Cooking classes, growing classes, and so much more. I used to do much of this when I started out - but you know, it's hard when you're also the only one to plan and execute it all - ON TOP of doing all of the growing. 

So, my advice came with a warning not try to do it all on one's own. I've been a serial entrepreneur I guess you could say, so it never really crossed my mind to become a non-profit. But I can now, looking back, see the benefits of spreading the work out over many people who have a vested interest. 

I've had lots of folks volunteer over the years, that's for sure. But most of the planning and coordinating was on my shoulders. I sometimes wonder how much more good Eden's could have done with a board and team behind it. Now it is time to pass on the baton and I'd love it if it was to someone who dared to see. 

In the mean time, we've planted transplants of collards, cauliflower, broccoli, even a late crop of summer squash, peppers, eggplant and a cucumber plant we hope to get some goodies off of before a hard freeze. We've seeded bush beans, arugula, lettuce, and peas. And our other remote farmer has been working on getting the high tunnel in shape for our winter growing. He's a much more experienced grower and pretty much just does his own thing, but we're glad to have him around when he's here - he uses his BCS to till up land for us when we need it and has been gracious with letting us use some of his supplies. He's like the Batman of small farming - he's got all the cool toys! 

I just popped about 20 eggs into the incubator after discovering a nest that would never have survived the small night time critters that frequent the place. My back yard is a highway for skunk, opossum and raccoons - and this little white hen was RIGHT in their path.  So, I'll help her out and see if we can't hatch them for her inside where it's a lot safer. 

We've got more starts in the little "seed-house" that'll be ready to transplant in a few weeks. I've got some garlic to order from @Texas Tested Seeds, and I got my onion slips pricing in this week, too. 

And then it won't be long before it's time to start tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and artichokes.  The growing cycle continues whether the City Council lets us build starter homes or not. And we have spaces available in our CSA so if you've been thinking about how to help support this little local farm - sponsoring a local family or buying a CSA membership for yourself is a great way to start! 

Badger, our calendar dog, needs to get over his fear of loading up in the truck because he's due to go see the vet. And we have a couple of cats that are due for check ups as well. I wonder if my large animal vet who comes to treat the horses would do all of the animals at once? That would save a lot of anxiety on poor Badger. He wouldn't even climb up in the cab - for a piece of STEAK! 

He got to meet one of my friends the other day and was making silly faces when she was trying to take a selfie with him. He's like the Mrs. Kravitz of the farm you see - he's got to keep an eye on everything all of the time - so he wouldn't focus on the camera lens. hahaha But he's a keeper, just the same. 

So, that's just a little update on what's rattling around my head and been going on here at the farm.  I hope your getting your fall garden in, too. Growing your own is one way to help take the edge off the grocery bill and be assured of how your food is grown.  

 

Eat Your Food - Naturally!

Farmer Marie 

Fighting the Good Fight

Dear Friends of Eden's,

I sent out the following email to supporters on my Pioneer Grove mailing list, and to my CSA members last night. 

Dear Friends of Eden's,

 I want to thank each of you who stood beside me and supported the vision for Pioneer Grove. Your encouragement, contributions, and your belief in creating something lasting and good for our community means the world to me during this incredibly difficult situation.

 Despite the best efforts of a professional development team — including urban planners, engineers, architects, and marketing specialists — who presented an application for rezoning that met every requirement, as you know, the Balch Springs City Council voted against our request - at a meeting held without formally notifying us, the applicant.

 This was a project designed to bring much-needed City revenue, affordable single family starter housing, new small business opportunities, and preserve much of the green space and the farming tradition our neighbors have come to enjoy. Yet the Council, providing no tenable or legitimate justification, chose to block it.

 As the old saying goes: you really can’t fight City Hall - and win.

Many of you also know I pursued legal counsel after learning of the vote. My attorney, initially quite optimistic at our chances, (because the logic of the circumstances certainly spoke to our favor), in an effort to gain the best winning strategy, consulted with other lawyers more specialized in municipal and zoning law. The consensus was sobering: even though the Council clearly appeared to have acted in bad faith, never even formally notifying us of the last two meetings nor the outcome - It was suggested that the courts would be unlikely to intervene on our behalf.

 At best, a judge might be convinced to order a “do-over”. And that would likely only put us back before the same hostile council that sabotaged this project in the first place. Or, more likely, the case would be dragged out over several years - and many more thousands of dollars, with the City still likely to prevail. I cannot justify spending

other people's funds, in endless, costly battles against insincere bullies with political immunity, expecting a different outcome. I have, therefore directed my attorney to discontinue pursuing the case at this time.

 I’ll use the remaining funds to cover the cost of appealing the steeply rising property taxes recently levied on the farm. Commercially zoned property is not afforded the same exemptions and considerations as regular residential, and valuing old, aging barns at the unrealistic rates they have, is making the taxes ridiculous. This is an agricultural operation that doesn't even operate a commercial business out of those structures. So, the same attorney said he will work on getting the taxes adjusted more fairly. And thank you to those who have graciously instructed me to use your contributed funds "as needed". I assure you, they'll go to improve things while we're still here.

 Real Food, Grown with Integrity

While the property remains on the market for sale, the ground that has fed so many for nearly 20 years, can continue to do so until such time it sells and we are required to vacate. Not to create false hope, but once a hostile council majority is no longer in place, if the property has not received a viable offer, we could potentially look into the feasibility of re-applying - if my team is still up for it at that time.

 Working to extend the farming opportunity to other farmers was always part of the project's plan. To the extent that I can, I'll continue to work to make that happen. Farming skills transfer to wherever they're applied.

 So, as I am able, and for the foreseeable future, I will continue to grow food for Eden's CSA members, (yes, we can take on a few more members for the upcoming fall and winter season). Now with the help of other growers here regularly, this should be less strenuous on me physically. We do hope, also, to open Eden's farm stand in the future, making our farm's surplus produce available to our local community again.

 The Losses are Great

The Pioneer Grove project was about preserving green space, providing starter homes, supporting small businesses, and continuing the work of feeding and connecting our community to the land. I'm saddest for the countless future generations that may never know this place for its rich history and beauty.

 The project was not about a personal win for me, yet losing this fight is still hitting really hard — not just for me, as it would have provided me a secure retirement, but for the team who worked so diligently to bring my vision to fruition. All of you who shared this dream with me, please know we did our very best. Despite the false allegations of wrongdoing on my part by members of the Council, my team and I did things the right way — honestly, and with integrity — just like I grow the food here that has fed members of Balch Springs and the greater DFW area since 2008.

 We didn’t lose this because our application was flawed, or because of valid concerns about firetruck access — there is room — or hypothetical traffic jams. We have held public events here, including a certified farmers market, for over 10 years without any issues.

 Let's be clear, we lost because of politics, falsehoods and small-mindedness.

 That’s a bitter pill, but it doesn’t erase the value of what we tried to build or what we have done here for nearly 20 years. I've heard from many of you urging me to just do "what is best for me". While I appreciate the sentiment, that's hard to accept when I was trying so hard to do what could have served everyone, including me, but was kept from doing so for no good, valid reason. It just seems so senseless. I'm beyond frustrated - I'm furious.

 I will look for comfort in knowing that we stood on the right side of truth, honor, and possibilities - working to create a brighter more sustainable future for those who come after us.

 I hope those with the power of voting in this town will remember the actions of these "leaders" come election time. This was NOT the will of the majority of this community. We again thank former Mayor Dr. Carrie Gordon and sitting Councilman Vincent Gabriel for their positive support of the project. Thank you also to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners who, even though they may not have felt personally Pioneer Grove was their cup of tea, saw the vision and benefits for the greater good it would have brought.

 From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for believing in Pioneer Grove, in this farm and in me. Your strong support has reminded me that there are still people willing to fight for good things. And that matters to me more than I can express.

 With Gratitude,

Farmer Marie

Update on Fight for The Future of the Farm at Eden’s

Update on Fight for Pioneer Grove at Eden’s Garden CSA Farm

I have a bit of news to share. It’s been a minute, but there hasn’t been much to report—until now.

This week, the court granted us an extra 30 days, which our recently secured attorney—hired thanks to the generous support of folks like you who believe in our cause—will use to strengthen our case and ensure Pioneer Grove gets the fair consideration it deserves.

 This extension doesn’t mean the fight is over, not by a long shot, but it does mean we’re still in it—and that matters. I am no lawyer; all I did was secure a placeholder until I was able to find an attorney to take up our cause.

 

  

Your financial support has carried us this far, and we’re going to use every moment of this reprieve to push forward for a community vision that preserves green space and working farmland, creates starter homes real people can afford, and builds something future generations will be proud of.

On a hopeful note, I’m also meeting with a potential young farmer soon to explore ways to keep more of the land productive while we fight this battle—because no matter what, this land matters. Passing the torch to another generation of farmers, homeowners, and community members is what propelled this idea in the first place.

I still hope the City Council members that voted against it, come to realize that Pioneer Grove will benefit everyone in and around the city. This is not just for me to be able to retire - it’s a win for everyone around here. 

The obvious pettiness displayed by a few, needs to be put aside for the greater good. Regardless of what some Council members may think of me, working against the city’s interests because of a personal grudge is very short-sighted. 

I’m trying to do the right thing with this land, for this land - and the community that welcomed me and has supported this farm in many ways over the years. It would be nice to have a Council that recognizes that, instead of fights against me, for no good reason. 

If you’d like to help us maintain momentum, we don't know how long the fight will take, every bit of support matters and helps move the cause forward. Thank you for believing in this mission and standing with us when it counts the most.

Stay tuned—the next chapter in this fight is just beginning. In the meantime, fall is coming, and the farm will be busy as a bee with activity, planting the future cool-season harvest for our members. We hope to produce enough to set up a market-day stand—we shall see.

Marie
Eat Your Food—Naturally!