Report #: 15
Name of Topic: Making a living on the land in the city (on 5 acres or less)
Name of Leader: Lynn Johnson
Names of Participants: Lynn, Liz, Claire, Debbie, Brenda
Previous story regarding this topic if there is one: Lynn moved onto 5 acres in west Asheville in the city limits this spring. North, Northeast and East facing forested slopes; 3 bulldozed housesites uptop; an acre +/- on the hominy creek (similar in size to the Swannanoa), recently bulldozed as part of FEMA “stream restoration”. Co-stewarding with one other person. Wondering what other people are doing to make a living on small acreage.
Highlights of Discussion (present story unfolding):
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What’s possible?
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Preserving the land
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Making money
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Bartering
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Giving it away
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3 people can be better than 2 to make decisions
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Centerstrip of driveway gardening in bay area for fancy lettuces for local restaurants
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Findhorn sold fancy food to restaurants in france
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Teach what you’re passionate about
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Growing for slow foods restaurants
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Focus on 5 herbs/year. In 10 years you’ll have 50 herbs, your personal and financial apothecary.
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Cut flowers and herbs sold lemonade stand-style
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Homestead in southern California. Grows lots of food on small acreage. Has an inspiring website and blog. pathtofreedom.com or .org or .something.
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Sell excess to clients, festivals, farmers markets
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Selling watercress from creek on the land in Madison co.
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Wild berries
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Make the relationship connection
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Work party groups – small groups of 5 or less households holding roving work parties throughout the year
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Using big machines to get big landmoving work done now (as opposed to by hand over a long, long time)
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WWOOF-ing – willing workers on organic farms
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Conservation easements
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Land trusts
