Spring Updates and Fond Farewells From Elizabeth Agee
The Regenerative garden and classroom at Arbol Farm, also known as Mariposa Ascendente or Butterfly Rising, has undergone more changes and transformations in the past few seasons. This past winter, with the help of some generous donations and our annual Seed Money campaign, we were able to construct a kiva inspired sunken fire pit to accommodate winter gatherings. Just Good Food Manager Elizabeth Agee collaborated with local legacy farmers to cultivate a winter storytelling series where farmers, ranchers and community folk came together to share gleaned wisdom from the fields and create camaraderie around the fire during the chilly months. With the Spring, Elizabeth was called to a new opportunity in Pennsylvania and is transitioning out of her position as Just Good Food Manager.
A gathering at the Regenerative garden and classroom at Arbol Farm, also known as Mariposa Ascendente or Butterfly Rising
Kiva: (noun) a Pueblo Indian ceremonial structure that is usually round and partially underground - The firepit is the newest addition to the regenerative garden and classroom space at Arbol Farm. In addition to the timberframe classroom reconstructed there in 2024, it provides the opportunity for year round programs and community gatherings at the garden space. Kivas, traditionally used by the Pueblo people for rites and political meetings, are an excellent design for protection from chilly Western winds and creates a unique gathering space. The fire pit is partially underground, cozy and perfect for winter storytelling. The vision for the space is a winter gathering ground to expound upon the Spring and Fall workshop series to cultivate and uplift local agricultural wisdom and legacy in the North Fork Valley. Multi-generational farmers and ranchers are invited to participate by telling the story of their family farms and then inviting community members and aspiring agricultural producers to ask questions and share their own stories. The storytelling series proved to be a fun and engaging experience and a safe place for folks to share their dreams and experiences around the fire.
An example of a Kiva
In early April of this year, JGF manager Elizabeth Agee received news that her partner got an opportunity to manage a new regenerative farm in eastern Pennsylvania. She has since bade a fond farewell to the North Fork Valley and relocated to an 1840 built farmhouse nestled into a 300 acre farm in the Poconos Mountains. She will help her partner Whitney with day to day farm operatives and engage in the agricultural community back East.
“It has been a bittersweet decision to say the least. I am really grateful for my time at Colorado Farm and Food Alliance and proud of all of the collaborations, projects and accomplishments through the years. It’s been a humbling and educational experience to build out the Just Good Food program, to get to know and collaborate with the agricultural community, help feed people through the pandemic, to grow and evolve as a farmer and a person. I will take all of the memories and experiences with me to PA and hope to be a potent member of the agricultural community there. I look forward to continuing to learn and develop as both a farmer and a steward” Elizabeth says.
Poconos, PA where Elizabeth has relocated
With this tremendous life move, Agee is committed to help with the transition of the garden space to ensure its success for years to come.
Meanwhile Americorps Vista member, Sarsa Buck, has stepped up to ensure the garden continues to thrive, serve the community and is cultivating a new crop of vegetables and medicinal herbs to share. And we are excited to have Amber vonCleave, a long-time volunteer, supporter and collaborator of the project, on staff to assist Sarsa and ensure the garden’s vitality. We are excited to see how the garden continues to evolve and invite everyone in the community to help envision the future of the space and the programming we offer.
Please reach out to sarsa@colofarmfood.org if you have wisdom you would like to share and are interested in teaching a workshop related to regenerative and legacy agriculture, or if you want to be part of imagining what this space will continue to become, like a butterfly emerging.
