Gearing Up for Summer

2012 began with unseasonably warm temperatures in March with highs reaching into the mid 80s (F). As a result all of our outdoor gardening activities began earlier than usual. Pruned fruit trees went on to flower, only to be caught by four subsequent killing frosts. As a result our only tree fruit this year will be some Bartlett pears borne on a single tree growing in the shelter of a large elm at the farmstead (photo).

A job in her field opened up for Amy at the Back Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion, so we were sorry to see her go in latter April. We wish her well in her new endeavors!

David Stoesz graduated in April from Goshen College with a degree in biology and environmental science and joined the program a month later as our new intern. He brings enthusiasm, readiness to learn and valuable experience to the program.

On June 4 the new cohort of the Agroecology Summer Intensive assembled at Rieth Village to begin their 9-week program. Participants hail from India, Ontario (Canada), Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana and Pennsylvania and represent four different colleges. Individuals of differing backgrounds are living together at Rieth Village to study, work, relax and learn about sustainable farming and food systems in the exceptional learning environment that is Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College.

– Posted by Dale Hess, Ecological Field Station Director and Associate Professor of Agroecology