Last week we announced some initial input from CSA members indicating a desire for a program more focused on the prime weeks of the season. That announcement resulted in other members voicing their preference for an extended season. Although we can't accommodate everyone's wishes, and there are real limits to our local farming season, the responses so far lead us in the direction we took last season offering options rather than having a single timeframe for distributions. Next season is still a ways off and everyone receiving this newsletter is guaranteed a share if desired. We will take enough time to refine next year's program in order to provide the best value possible to all members. Please continue offering suggestions.

Receiving fresh, local, organic produce while stabilizing the area's farm community are the usual benefits associated with CSAs. There are also many positive environmental rewards from this model of food production and distribution. The list is long, but the fossil fuel savings from not transporting food thousands of miles, the carbon sequestration associated with organic agriculture, and reducing the "fence-row to fence-row" production practiced on large factory farms are a few of the most important advantages. 

Hosting a CSA program allows us to carefully manage non-crop areas of the farm, focusing on biodiversity rather than maximizing production at the expense of the local environment. Below is a snapshot of one of the stands of Paw Paw trees we have protected and cultivate as a part of our forest management plan. These unusual stands were cataloged as part of the initial evaluation of our acreage by DCNR Service Forester, Thomas Erdman. The trees are native to the eastern US, but apparently very few are still found in our area. The trees produce a fruit that is valuable to wildlife and, where abundant, is harvested by humans. The trees are one of the last species to drop their leaves and the stands are easily located this time of year.