First Shoots
There’s a part of the seed-growing cycle that doesn’t get much attention. Before anything pushes up through the soil—before there are leaves or stems or anything photogenic—there is quiet but important work happening underground. This feels parallel to the work so far at Open Farms.
We’re entering our third season of doing care farming here in Western New York, though under a new name: Open Farms. For a while, it may have looked from the outside like not much has changed besides our name. But underneath, there’s been a lot of growth. Building systems. Asking questions. Welcoming groups. Listening more than talking. Trying to do things right, even if that means doing them slowly. Putting down roots.
We didn’t rush to define ourselves because we didn’t want to define the community we serve before it had the chance to shape us. Instead, we spent these early seasons laying groundwork—real and figurative. We built infrastructure. We established a board of directors. We welcomed co-farmers of all abilities, teachers, social service partners, employer groups, and families who just needed a place to breathe. Everyone who has come to the farm has brought something special, and all of this has shaped what this place is becoming.
Now, we’re entering a new phase. Our roots are strong. The first shoots are up! we’re not fully grown, but our growth is visible—and we are excited to keep growing in the light of our greater community.
We’ll use this blog space to share more of the journey - not just the polished parts, but the real, behind the scenes work of building something grounded in care, community and purpose. This is where we’ll reflect on what we’re learning, highlight the people, animals, work and partnerships shaping the farm, and offer a deeper look at how meaningful work, connection, and nature continue to guide what we are growing here.
‘Open Ground’ is a space we are holding for reflection on what is growing when we take the time to look beneath the surface.
With Care,
Jen Zeitler
Executive Director, Open Farms
