A Joyful Open Farm Day at DERH

The following article is based on reflections and notes shared by Jasmine Haines, Washington County Food Programs Manager.

Downeast Restorative Harvest (DERH) Community Farm welcomed approximately 50 visitors on Sunday, July 27, as part of Maine’s 36th annual Open Farm Day. Guests traveled from all over Washington County, as well as from towns as far away as Waterville and Van Buren, to experience what makes our collaborative community farm such a powerful hub for connection, nourishment, and hope. Despite a gusty wind that made formal tabling a challenge, the sunny weather brought plenty of warmth and curiosity to the day.

Visitors were invited to wander the fields, snack on freshly picked peas and carrots, and learn about DERH’s unique mission: growing food for the Washington County Jail and local food pantries. Informal tours sparked engaging conversations about food justice, place-based learning, and the farm’s strong relationships with local partners, including the jail kitchen and Department of Corrections, to offer rewarding outdoor work opportunities for incarcerated individuals.

The refreshments were a hit! Guests enjoyed buckwheat chocolate cookies lovingly baked by amazing farmer/baker Lucy Zwigard, Healthy Acadia‘s Washington County Food Programs Coordinator and DERH Farm Manager, blueberry lemonade, fresh veggies from the field, and donated cheese from Josh Pond. DERH stickers served as a fun take-home thank-you, while the newly built barn drew excitement for this fall’s upcoming Barn Party and future gatherings.

More than just a community event, Open Farm Day served as an opportunity to build new relationships. First-time visitors, curious passersby, and fellow local growers all expressed interest in supporting or collaborating with DERH’s work. While the wind kept fundraising plans grounded, we’re thrilled to share that “friendraising” was in full bloom, planting the seeds for sustained community support and small monthly giving.

Special thanks go out to our amazing partners: Isaiah of Picket Hill (our talented barn builder), Josh Pond, The Milkhouse / Schoppee Farm, Kim McClure (our outstanding Healthy Acadia intern), and Far Out Farm for coming through when we needed them most.

We’re deeply grateful to all who showed up and shared in this day of learning and connection. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going with more open community events, starting with our fall Barn Party. Stay tuned!