Goshen College Faculty/Staff Retreat

The annual tradition of having all faculty and staff from Goshen College come to Merry Lea for a retreat again happened this August. It is an odd day for farm crew members, as we take the day off to reflect, share meals with others, give tours, enjoy conversation with folks on campus that we otherwise rarely see, and worship together as a group. It really is a wonderful day, even if we feel odd or even lazy. How strange to have an entire day in August without pulling weeds or harvesting vegetables!

Retreat day often means we have an opportunity to take folks on a tour of the farm and show what new projects we are undertaking. This year, the kitchen garden had signs labeling each bed of vegetables, thanks to our students in the Agroecology Summer Intensive. Many of the faculty and staff who came on the tour had never seen an okra plant or tried eating a ground cherry before. We were happy to give adults their first experience. Not surprisingly, seeing the pigs and chickens was a big hit. I love the opportunity to tell folks that Goshen College raises pigs!

I sincerely hope this tradition of hosting the GC fac/staff retreat continues. What a gift to be able to share this verdant gift with many who rarely get to experience this treasure we call Merry Lea and Merry Lea Sustainable Farm. Thank you, Mary Jane and Lee Rieth!

– Jon Zirkle