Category Archives: Organic

MASSARO PLANTS 150 TREES TO RECLAIM HABITAT

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New trees planted between the greenhouse and learning garden last fall

Press Release: January 9, 2013

Woodbridge, CT – With the help of local horticulturist, Bruce Lindsey, and his company, Dig Trees, Massaro Community Farm recently planted 150 trees to reclaim habitat, aid in erosion control and add much needed wind break in the ongoing farm operations. Massaro Community Farm totals 57 acres, which includes 12 acres of fields

“Part of the process of reclaiming this space is removing dead and invasive species from the land, and replacing it with native habitat that will support our pollinators,” said Farm Manager Steve Munno. Munno worked closely with Lindsey on the planting, and in selecting species that would complement the farm operation. Wind break trees that were planted included sugar maple, serviceberry, horse chestnut, chokeberry, tulip tree, tupelo and swamp white oak. Replenishment of native species included viburnum, button bush, elderberry and white meadowsweet.

Dig Trees, located in Orange, is dedicated to help the environment through tree planting. Lindsey takes pride in hand selecting trees that will be specifically suited to their location, only plants mature, healthy trees (not saplings), and personally overseeing all plantings.

This mass planting, completed just before the end of 2012, was made possible by a grant to the farm by the National Resources Conservation Service, a division of the USDA. The farm celebrated a series of other successes in 2012: receipt of organic certification, the installation of a solar array on the restored dairy barn, the expansion of cultivation and offerings through its CSA (community supported agriculture), a summer camp program in August, and an impressive farm-to-table dinner in September that doubled attendance over last year.

Massaro Community Farm is a non-profit farm on a 57-acre parcel of land in Woodbridge, Connecticut, 10 minutes northwest of New Haven. Our mission is to keep farming, feed people, and build community. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for generations to come.

 

2nd Annual ‘Dinner on the Farm’ a Great Success!

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Thank you to all who participated in this year’s farm-to-table gathering held on September 1st.  Together we raised approximately $20,000 for our community farm!

Over 150 members, friends, and neighbors spent a beautiful late-summer evening enjoying lively conversation, local spirits, and fine dining amongst the sunflowers.   This year’s dinner included special recognition of long-time Woodbridge Executive Assistant and farm supporter Geraldine Shaw.

Massaro Community Farm would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all our generous supporters who made this magical evening possible.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to Ms. Denise Appel, Chef/Owner of Zinc Restaurant, Antonio’s Restaurant, Four Flours Baked Goods, New England Brewery, Savino Vineyards, Amity Wine and Spirits, D&D Linen Supply, and Starbucks Coffee.

A special thanks to Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro, Chabaso Bakery, Mr. Tent, Woodbridge Fire Department, Woodbridge Garden Club, and all our committed volunteers.

Our corporate sponsors include:

Gold:

BIC Corporation/Mario Guevara

Law Offices of Buckley & Wynne

Citizens Bank

Silver:

Northeast Medical Group (Yale)

Bronze:

B. Lance Sauerteig

CT Wellness & Pain

CT Capital Management Group

Gary & Leslie Martino

New Haven Dental Group

Here is what some folks had to say about the evening:

‘ . . . it could not have been more perfect from the ambiance, setting, weather, food, people…that row of sunflowers was the icing on the cake (although the brownies ran a close second!).’

‘ . . . It was a glorious evening!  The food was delicious and the setting was amazing!  It was such fun to eat in the middle of the field, and those sunflowers were a spectacular backdrop.’

For those of you who weren’t able to join us, we look forward to seeing you next year!