Following a public meeting at the North Amherst Library last fall, the North Amherst Community Farm Board continued to be in conversation with potential future farming operations and have had discussions about possible projects that would serve the North Amherst community.  Among the most exciting projects are a community garden, a public orchard or food forest, and start-up (incubator) farming enterprises. 

Before making decisions on any of these possibilities however, we have engaged the UMass Permaculture Design and Practice class from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture to help us think creatively about the future.  NACF Board members have met with the students several times both in class and on the farm to discuss possibilities. 

The UMass Permaculture Design Class will present the results of their analysis and proposed design for the farm to the NACF Board at a public event in May and you are invited! 

Please join us for:

According to UMass faculty member, Lisa Depiano, “It is very meaningful for students to get a chance to work directly with their own clients on a real-life project alongside their peers. Our past clients have also found it helpful to have a focused time with students to help them think through their site goals, conduct a site analysis, and help them develop a master plan and other resources for their farm.” 

We are as excited to hear their thinking as we are to hear your reaction to their presentation.  This project continues to be a community effort, and as members of our local community, we still need your good ideas and suggestions.  We hope you will join us for their final presentation on May 7.

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