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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T140000
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SUMMARY:Building Resilient Soils: Planning & Resources for Extreme Weather Events
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a workshop designed for farmers\, land stewards\, and growers navigating increasingly unpredictable growing conditions and seeking practical\, field-tested ways to build soil health and farm resilience. Hosted at Stony Hill Farm with farmer Alice Colman\, participants will learn directly how soil health planning and management reduces production risks and increases resiliency in the face of extreme weather events. The event includes hands-on soil health demonstrations\, a guided farm tour\, and an opportunity to connect with technical service providers from NOFA/Mass\, CISA\, the American Farmland Trust and the NRCS about available funding opportunities\, technical assistance\, and support for developing soil management plans. \nParticipants will: \n\nObserve a live\, in-field soil health assessment & learn how to evaluate their soils\nExplore funded and implemented practices including reduced tillage\, cover cropping\, mulching\, intercropping\, hedgerows\, and soil carbon amendment\nUnderstand how these practices have improved soil structure\, reduced bare soil\, and increased resilience at Stony Hill Farm\nLearn the step-by-step process for developing a soil health management plan that is based on NRCS planning steps\nConnect with technical assistance providers & funding opportunities\, including grants\, soil testing services\, and organic transition support over a local meal & drinks\n\nRegister Online Now\nAgenda: \n2:00 pm – Welcome & introductions \n2:15 pm – In-field soil health assessment demonstration \n3:00 pm – Farm tour & soil health practices in action \n4:15 pm – Soil management planning process overview \n5:00 pm – Resource fair & networking hour and dinner \n6:00 pm – Wrap-up & closing \n  \nAbout: \nStony Hill Farm is a certified organic\, small-scale diversified farm on 35 acres of fields and forest (currently ~1 acre in cultivation) in Wilbraham\, MA\, founded in 2015 by Alice Colman and Brian Cunningham. They grow a wide variety of vegetables and cut flowers sold through their farm stand and CSA. Their ecosystem-based approach emphasizes diversity as the foundation of resilience. Soil health practices include compost\, cover crops\, and organic fertilizers\, alongside crop rotations\, row covers\, and beneficial insects to support ecological balance and pest management. These practices are grounded in their on-farm approach to building resilient systems and have been strengthened through technical assistance programs such as American Farmland Trust (AFT)\, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) and NOFA/Mass\, which have helped them refine and deepen their soil health and long-term land management strategies. \n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nCaro Roszell works with American Farmland Trust to support farmer networks\, provide technical assistance\, and advance practical approaches to soil health and climate resilience. With 15 years of experience in environmental nonprofit work and a decade in organic farming\, she specializes in farmer education\, soil health programming\, and farmer-to-farmer learning. Before joining AFT\, Caro served as Education Director and Soil Health Projects Manager for NOFA/Mass and currently serves on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council representing the Healthy Soils seat.  \nJeremy Barker-Plotkin joined American Farmland Trust with more than 25 years of experience in organic and regenerative farming\, conservation planning\, and farm business development. As co-owner and operator of Simple Gifts Farm\, a 50-acre integrated vegetable and livestock farm\, he has firsthand experience managing diversified production systems\, infrastructure development\, and direct markets. His work focuses on soil health\, organic no-till production\, integrated pest management\, irrigation and water conservation\, and farm business planning. Through AFT\, Jeremy supports farmers with soil health planning\, conservation implementation\, organic transition\, and access to technical assistance and funding opportunities.  \nRandy Violette is in his fourth season working at Stony Hill Farm where he has been supporting implementation of practices that improve soil health and overall farm resilience. Randy also works for NOFA/Mass as a TOPP Field Engagement and Technical Learning Coordinator. In this role\, he develops programming and educational content for farmers and gardeners interested in using organic farming practices.  \n  \nAccessibility: \nA porta potty is available on site. There is limited seating available at picnic tables. Farm roads are uneven but easily passable by car. Most of the field areas visited during the farm tour can be accessed by personal vehicle\, if desired. \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \nRegister Online Now\n 
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/building-resilient-soils-planning-resources-for-extreme-weather-events/
LOCATION:Stony Hill Farm\, 899 Stony Hill Rd.\, Wilbraham\, MA\, 01095\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T140000
DTSTAMP:20260610T172521Z
CREATED:20260610T172302Z
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SUMMARY:Streamlining Soil Health on the Organic Farm
DESCRIPTION:Farmers are constantly juggling recordkeeping\, compliance requirements\, crop planning decisions\, and soil health management\, often across multiple spreadsheets\, notebooks\, and disconnected systems. Whether you’re certified organic\, transitioning toward certification\, or simply looking for better ways to organize your farm data\, this workshop at Farming is Life will introduce their new platform\, FAHM (Farm App Hub and Manager)\, designed to simplify farm management and strengthen decision-making. Together\, we’ll explore how FAHM is already being used on working farms to streamline compliance\, automate recordkeeping\, manage soil health data\, and support long-term planning. Participants will also get a look at tools emerging from the farmers at Farming Is Life around soil monitoring\, greenhouse automation\, and grower distribution networks\, along with guidance on setting up profiles and accounts. \nRegister Online Now\nParticipants will: \n\nLearn how FAHM supports compliance\, organic certification records\, and day-to-day farm management\nSee examples of how farms are automating crop planning\, soil health tracking\, greenhouse systems\, and recordkeeping\nSee the interactions with soil testing\, and that data can be stored\, interpreted\, and used to guide management decisions over time\nUnderstand how this tool interacts with the Organic Product Database to better understand approved & prohibited materials\nHear about how this tool is connecting growers\, distributors\, and farm networks\nHave the opportunity to win a complimentary subscription including onboarding assistance including setting up accounts\, profiles\, and workflow systems. The farm(s) selected for this will be announced in 2026.\n\n  \nAbout: \nFarming is Life is a family farm in North Central Massachusetts that does not use chemicals and plastics to aid in the production of vegetables for our communities. We follow regenerative farming practices with the goal of minimizing off farm inputs. We do this in part by using trees from our forests to build mulch for compost\, using manure from cows that are fed chemical free hay from our farm to add nutrients and harnessing biology to create the balance needed for healthy soil\, happy beneficial bugs and bountiful harvests. This is all done with a holistic approach to the farm as a self-contained ecosystem that aims to work with nature not against it.  \n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nRichy is the founder of FAHM (fahmapp.com)\, a multi-tenant SaaS platform built to help farms run every side of their operation and automate essential functions\, all in one place. The platform is currently in beta testing\, and he puts the platform through its paces on his own family farm\, Farming is Life Farm\, where it handles the POS\, inventory\, CSA programs\, consignment\, payments\, and IoT integrations. Before farming and software\, Richy built a career as a Grammy-winning music producer. He works at the intersection of agriculture\, software\, and AI\, with a particular interest in giving small farms the kind of tools that have historically only been available to enterprise operations. \nRubén Parrilla (he/him) is the Soil Technical Coordinator for NOFA/Mass and trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School. He is a Certified Lab Tech and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. Rubén has 15 years’ experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He has been performing soil carbon proxy testing\, soil health assessments\, soil chemical analysis\, and soil microbiological evaluations for NOFA/Mass over the past year and has extensive experience farming and working with farmers\, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education events for NOFA/Mass by leading monthly farmer learning calls\, providing hands-on workshops and instruction at soil health education events\, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. He is a fluent and native Spanish speaker and fully English/Spanish bilingual. \n  \nMore Information: \nPortions of our farm tour will cover uneven terrain.  We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility\, allergies\, noise\, scent\, gender\, intellectual accessibility\, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate.  \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 20 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \nRegister Online Now\nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n  \nSponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/streamlining-soil-health-on-the-organic-farm/
LOCATION:Farming is Life\, 683 River St.\, Winchendon\, 01475\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T193000
DTSTAMP:20260622T222219Z
CREATED:20260622T172405Z
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SUMMARY:Microplastics in Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:Microplastics are an increasing concern in agriculture\, with potential implications for soil health and food systems\, and both ecosystem and human health. This webinar is designed for farmers who want to better understand microplastics in agricultural soils\, as well as anyone concerned about the future of our food system and the health of the environment. Much of the research on this topic remains locked behind science journal paywalls or is communicated through highly technical language. The goal of this webinar is to make current research more accessible\, to raise awareness of this emerging issue\, and to help growers and community members leave with a clearer understanding of where microplastics come from\, how they affect agricultural systems\, and what actions can help address the problem.  \nRegister Online on Zoom\nIn this webinar\, we will: \n\nLearn about common pathways through which microplastics enter agricultural systems\nCover the impacts of microplastic contamination \nExplore strategies for reducing\, mitigating\, or preventing contamination\nDiscuss priorities for research\, policy\, and practical action to address microplastic pollution over the long term\n\n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nDavid Liu is a rising senior at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter\, NH. He has published research related to microplastics in agriculture and presented at the 2026 NOFA/Mass Winter Conference.  \nAbout the Project: \nThis webinar is part of David’s goal of educating as many people as possible about the risks and threats of contaminants in agriculture. This session is an attempt to connect the microplastics research David has done with the NOFA/Mass community. He will also be developing a fact sheet/tool kit for widespread access that covers all the different contaminants to agriculture.  \nAccessibility: \nThe webinar will be held on Zoom. Captions available. Please reach out to events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com with any questions. \n  \nRegister Online on Zoom\n  \nQuestions? \nIf you have questions about attending\, contact events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com. Questions regarding the content of the webinar can be directed to soilhealth@nofamass.dreamhosters.com. \n  \nSponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/microplastics-in-agriculture/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,Online,TOPP,Webinars
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260806T140000
DTSTAMP:20260630T143336Z
CREATED:20260325T162343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T143336Z
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SUMMARY:Growing Specialty Crops & Natural Dyes: Organic Diversification & Soil Decisions
DESCRIPTION:If you’re curious about growing more than just vegetables\, or want to explore how diverse crops can enhance both production and soil health\, this field day is for you. We’ll focus on natural dye plants—annual and perennial species that often also serve as cut flowers—alongside garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds\, showing how multiple enterprises can fit into a practical organic farm system. This is a great opportunity for farmers\, homesteaders\, and growers interested in soil-building practices\, adaptive farm management\, and how to integrate it all into an Organic Systems Plan (OSP). \nDuring this on-farm field day at Hilltop Farm & Fiber Arts\, we’ll explore how the farm’s management systems have evolved over time and how those changes shape day-to-day soil and crop decisions whilst referencing a soil test. Hilltop Farm once integrated livestock but now sources composted manure off-farm\, offering a practical example of adapting nutrient management while maintaining fertility and organic certification. We’ll also discuss how scale\, labor\, and cost considerations influence decisions about which practices to keep\, modify\, or replace. \nThrough a farm tour and discussion\, participants will: \n\nVisit the certified organic processing areas used for dried plant material and seed handling\nSee how the farm’s OSP guides everyday soil health and crop management decisions\nExplore production strategies for natural dye plants alongside garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds in niche organic markets\nEnjoy a locally sourced lunch\nObserve low-till bed preparation with a rototiller\, cover-cropped beds\, and techniques for maintaining soil structure\nLearn how soil test results can be interpreted and applied to real-world fertility management\n\n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nAbout: \nHilltop Farm & Fiber Arts is a small but diverse\, certified organic farm growing natural dye plants\, flowers\, garlic\, rhubarb\, and seeds. We’re all about building healthy soil through organic methods and exploring unique markets beyond veggies—like natural dyes\, flower-based products\, and specialty crops. \nLisa has over 35 years of experience growing vegetables and spent more than 20 years raising sheep for both fiber and lamb. A fiber artist and natural dyer\, she now focuses on dye plants\, flowers\, garlic\, and rhubarb at Hilltop Farm & Fiber Arts. Lisa teaches natural dyeing workshops and enjoys helping others explore the creative and economic potential of plant-based color in small-scale farming. Her work is grounded in organic practices and informed by training in Biodynamics. \n  \nAccessibility: \nThe farm is not wheelchair accessible and has sloped\, rough ground. Location is not accessible by public transportation\, but carpooling is encouraged. The dedicated rideshare site for this event is available here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 30 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nThe rain date for this event is scheduled for August 11. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at hannah@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n 
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/growing-specialty-crops-natural-dyes-organic-diversification-soil-decision/
LOCATION:Hilltop Farm and Fiber Arts\, 1 Partridge Rd.\, Lanesborough\, 01237\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T193000
DTSTAMP:20260710T153544Z
CREATED:20260331T000556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T153544Z
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Soil Stewardship in the Heat of Summer
DESCRIPTION:Soil Stewardship in the Heat of Summer \nWith Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad \nAugust brings some of the season’s greatest challenges and opportunities for your soil. Join NOFA/Mass and Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad\, Food Sovereignty Director with the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust\, for a community conversation on practical strategies to improve water retention\, keep soils covered\, and build resilience through the hottest weeks of the growing season. Drawing on her work supporting community gardens and food sovereignty initiatives across western Massachusetts\, Sister Anna will share approaches to soil stewardship that strengthen both our growing spaces and our communities. Bring your questions\, experiences\, and ideas as we explore cover cropping\, moisture management\, and simple practices that help soils thrive now and into the seasons ahead. \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nRegister Online on Zoom\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nAbout: \nJoin NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls\, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient\, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions\, discuss specific methodologies\, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms. \nTopics range from organic amendments\, cover cropping systems\, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies\, nutrient cycling\, soil biology and microbial life\, organic systems plans\, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm. \nDate: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in March – September\n \nTime: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM \n \nTOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship\, workshops\, webinars\, field days\, technical assistance\, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production\, the certification process\, market opportunities\, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/soil-health-in-organic-systems-monthly-calls-7/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginning Farmers,NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online,Soil Health,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T190000
DTSTAMP:20260715T205224Z
CREATED:20260624T141221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T205224Z
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SUMMARY:On-Farm Fertility & Ferments: Farmer Networking Session
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Benson’s Pond Farm for a look at building on-farm fertility through fermented plant & fruit inputs. This casual\, educational and networking session will explore how these foliar fertilizers and amendments are made on-farm\, applied\, and tracked over time using both mineral and biological testing. We’ll dig into the methodology\, pricing\, and observed benefits after five years of use in a transitioning system: what’s changed\, what’s worked\, and what’s still evolving. Out in the bog\, we’ll observe plant & soil conditions as indicators of biological activity and health. \nWe’ll touch on shared water considerations and the realities of moving toward organic certification\, and close with time to connect\, share experiences\, and continue the conversation with fellow growers. This session is designed for fellow cranberry growers as well as anyone who is interested in developing on-farm fertility strategies rooted in biology. \nRegister Online Now\nAbout the Instructors: \nCass Gilmore is a third-generation cranberry grower in Massachusetts who\, since 2020\, has been transitioning the farm from conventional chemical inputs to regenerative practices. Central to this shift is a commitment to closing the loop on farm inputs – reducing external dependencies while building on-farm fertility. As the transition has progressed\, biological life across the farm has surged\, with beneficial organisms emerging at levels not previously observed on this or other cranberry operations.  \nAccessibility: \nThis event takes place on a working cranberry bog\, which includes uneven\, soft\, and potentially wet terrain. Participants should be prepared to walk on irregular ground. Due to these conditions\, accessibility may limited for those with mobility challenges or who require firm\, level pathways during the tour. There is an ADA accessible bathroom on site. \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nFor information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 20 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Randy at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com with any questions. \n  \nPartners & Sponsors
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/on-farm-fertility-ferments-farmer-networking-session/
LOCATION:Benson Pond Cranberries and Barn\, 6 Pine St.\, Middleboro\, 02346\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260916
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTSTAMP:20260819T164442Z
CREATED:20260522T204340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T164442Z
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SUMMARY:Northeast Growing Together Conference
DESCRIPTION:This event supports current and aspiring organic farmers through 20+ educational workshops\, practical technical assistance sessions\, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers across the food and farming community. Whether you’re just beginning your organic journey or looking to deepen your expertise\, you’ll gain real-world insights you can apply right away. \nSponsored by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. \nLearn more & register today
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/northeast-growing-together-conference/
LOCATION:The Rodale Institute\, 611 Siegfriedale Road\, Kutztown\, PA\, 19530\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T193000
DTSTAMP:20260710T153533Z
CREATED:20260331T000937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T153533Z
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SUMMARY:Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Putting Your Soil to Bed: Fall Cover Crops & Winter Preparation
DESCRIPTION:Putting Your Soil to Bed: Fall Cover Crops & Winter Preparation  \nWith Yoko Takemura \nAs summer transitions into fall\, the choices we make now can set the stage for healthier soils next season. Join NOFA/Mass and Yoko Takemura of Assawaga Farm for a community conversation on preparing your fields and gardens for winter through thoughtful soil stewardship. We’ll explore selecting and establishing cover crops\, building organic matter and compost\, mulching\, and other practices that protect living soils\, suppress weeds\, and improve fertility through the colder months. Bring your questions and experiences as we discuss practical\, seasonally appropriate strategies for putting your farm or garden “to bed” while investing in next year’s success. \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nRegister Online on Zoom\nJoin NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls\, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient\, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions\, discuss specific methodologies\, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms. \nTopics range from organic amendments\, cover cropping systems\, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies\, nutrient cycling\, soil biology and microbial life\, organic systems plans\, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm. \nDate: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in March – September\n \nTime: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM \n  \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n \nTOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship\, workshops\, webinars\, field days\, technical assistance\, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production\, the certification process\, market opportunities\, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/soil-health-in-organic-systems-monthly-calls-8/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Beginning Farmers,NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online,Soil Health,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T190000
DTSTAMP:20260714T193532Z
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LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T193532Z
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SUMMARY:Scaling No-Till Vegetables: Farm Tour & Networking Event
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a farm tour at Gaining Ground highlighting no-till vegetable production at scale. Gaining Ground has expanded vegetable\, flower\, and cover crop production from 3.5 acres in 2023\, to around 4 acres in 2024\, 5 acres in 2025\, and 8 acres in 2026. Farming in partnership with Minuteman National Historical Park\, the Gaining Ground team has transformed former parkland into a highly productive vegetable operation rooted in soil health principles. This event will center on the team’s approach to growing at scale while staying rooted in no-till principles. This will include a discussion of Gaining Ground’s processes for putting new land into production\, their staffing structure and volunteer programming\, as well as their general systems for bringing beds from seed to harvest to rest. \nDuring the tour\, participants will hear about the evolution of the farm’s systems and staffing\, key decisions that have shaped production and expansion\, and lessons learned during this first season growing on all 8 acres that they have in production. They’ll briefly touch on the unique experience of farming on public land before wrapping up with shared food and open networking time to connect with fellow farmers and growers.  \nRegister Online Now\nAbout: \nGaining Ground is a non-profit\, no-till\, organic farm in Concord\, MA. At their flagship farm and satellite fields they actively cultivate 8 acres of land to grow over 50 varieties of vegetables\, herbs\, fruit\, and flowers in fields interspersed with perennial hedgerows. They produce for 18 hunger relief organizations with the help of a community of volunteers and donate 100% of the food they grow. They harvest over 133\,000 pounds of produce annually\, supplying more than 2\,100 food-insecure households each week in the Greater Boston region. They also welcome over 3\,500 volunteers of all ages and abilities to the farm each season. \n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nMark Congdon (he/him) – Director of Agriculture and Volunteer Experience: Born and raised in Shrewsbury\, Massachusetts\, Mark(he/him) joined Gaining Ground as our first Director of Agriculture in 2023. He received his two years of farmer training as a farmer’s apprentice at Caretaker Farm in Williamstown. Mark continued to grow as a farmer managing Saltbox Farm in Concord for 9 years and then Honey Nut Farm in Hopkinton prior to bringing his experience here to Gaining Ground. He is excited for the opportunity to direct Gaining Ground’s expansion onto newly leased land in the Minuteman National Historical Park. Mark loves to travel and experience unique plant life all over the world. He also enjoys hiking\, meditation\, supporting local farmer’s markets\, and being part of a food movement that brings sustainable agriculture to local communities. \nMaddie Weikel (she/they) – Assistant Grower and Education Coordinator: Maddie (she/they) joined the Gaining Ground team in 2023 after three-ish growing seasons learning about organic\, no-till systems at a different farm in the area. They find joy and power in farming and in the notion that cultivating deep connection to land offers us tools for dismantling systems of harm and for building the world that we want to live in. Maddie believes that we all have a role to play in the work to nourish our communities and that it is our duty to take care of each other and of the land. Since graduating from New York University in 2020\, Maddie’s farming journey has moved alongside a reintroduction to Judaism. She is inspired by the many lessons that ever-evolving Jewish tradition has to share about liberatory land stewardship\, and vice versa. When not out in the fields\, you can find Maddie making to-do lists\, collaging\, yelling\, vacuuming\, and sharing meals with friends. \nRegister Online Now\nAbout the Project: \nThis event is sponsored by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and co-sponsored by NOFA/Mass.  \n  \nAccessibility: \nGaining Ground is most accessible via car. The farm is also a few miles away from the Concord commuter rail stop\, as well as the “Hanscom Field Dr @ Old Bedford Rd” stop on the 76 bus. There are two bathrooms on site—one Port-o-potty that is serviced biweekly\, as well as a bathroom connected to the barn and kitchen. Please note that Gaining Ground is located next to an airport\, so there are frequently loud planes flying overhead. There are four picnic tables with benches and up to 15 chairs available for seating.  \nThe pavilion at Gaining Ground\, where we will be gathering prior to and after our farm tour\, is located off of a loosely paved gravel road\, and there is a wheelchair accessible bathroom about 100ft from the pavillion (people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices visit the farm on a regular basis throughout the growing season). \n  \nPlease share if you have any additional accessibility concerns. \n  \nRefund/Inclement Weather Policy: \nWe will still meet if there is a rain shower. In case of dangerous weather (lightning\, high winds)\, we will reconvene on Thursday\, September 24. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy\, click here.  \n  \nCapacity: \nCapacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!  \n  \nRegistration opens July 14th. \n  \nQuestions? \nContact Randy at events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/scaling-no-till-vegetables-farm-tour-networking-event/
LOCATION:Gaining Ground Farm\, 341 Virginia Rd.\, Concord\, 01742
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,TOPP
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T191500
DTSTAMP:20260910T213943Z
CREATED:20260910T213943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T213943Z
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SUMMARY:Sustainable & Responsible Investing Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening webinar on aligning your investments with your values. Learn how your investment choices can benefit both your portfolio and the causes you care about. We’ll also explore tax-smart giving strategies – including gifts of stock\, QCDs\, and Donor-Advised Funds – that can support both your financial goals and the future of mission-driven organizations like NOFA/Mass. \nFeaturing guest speaker: Lenore Reiner\, Executive Director of Responsible Investment Strategy\, Calvert Investments \nWith a special appearance by: Doug Calnan\, from Socially Conscious Wealth Management\, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services\, LLC. \n  \nRegister Online on Zoom\n  \nSponsored by:\n \n\nSocially Conscious Wealth Management\, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services\, LLC. \nWith special thanks to longtime NOFA/Mass supporter Doug Calnan for helping make this event possible. \nPresenter affiliation: Calvert Investments.
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/sustainable-responsible-investing-webinar/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event
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ORGANIZER;CN="NOFA/Mass Ed Events":MAILTO:events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T193000
DTSTAMP:20260821T184217Z
CREATED:20260821T184217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T184217Z
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SUMMARY:Land Back\, Land Care: Nipmuc Stewardship in a Changing Climate
DESCRIPTION:People involved in organic farming and sustainable agriculture already understand that how we care for land matters. But sustainability also invites us to ask deeper questions: What is our relationship with the land? What responsibilities come with caring for it? And can agriculture truly be sustainable if we change how we care for land without examining how we came to possess it? Join the Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation (NIDC) for a conversation about Nipmuc land stewardship\, farming\, climate resilience\, and Land Back. Drawing from NIDC’s current work caring for farms\, forests\, waterways\, and rematriated lands\, we will explore how relationships with land are connected to cultural continuity\, food sovereignty\, ecological restoration\, and the future of Nipmuc communities. \nParticipants will be invited to consider: \n\nExplore how Nipmuc land stewardship extends beyond farming to relationships with forests\, water\, plants\, animals\, community\, and future generations.\nLearn about NIDC’s contemporary work with farming\, food sovereignty\, ecological restoration\, and the stewardship of rematriated lands.\nConsider the relationship between Indigenous land dispossession\, Land Back\, and climate resilience.\nExamine the difference between learning from Indigenous perspectives and extracting Indigenous cultural knowledge or practices.\nConsider ways farmers\, landowners\, and others can build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and move from acknowledgment toward reparative action.\n\nRegister Online Now\nAbout: \nThe Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation (NIDC) is a Nipmuc-led nonprofit organization working to strengthen Nipmuc communities through land stewardship\, food sovereignty\, cultural revitalization\,  language reclamation\, youth and community programs\, and the return of land to Nipmuc care. NIDC’s work is rooted in the understanding that land\, culture\, community\, and the well-being of future generations are deeply connected. \nToday\, NIDC cares for and supports the stewardship of rematriated lands across Nipmuc homelands\, including farms\, forests\, waterways\, and areas being restored for food\, medicine\, habitat\, and community use. This work brings together farming\, forestry\, ecological restoration\, education\, and community building while creating opportunities for Nipmuc people to renew relationships with lands from which they have long been separated. \n  \nAbout the Instructors: \nPresenters from the Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation (NIDC) bring experience in land stewardship\, farming and food sovereignty\, ecological restoration\, cultural and language reclamation\, and community development. Their work is grounded in contemporary Nipmuc efforts to return to and care for land\, strengthen community relationships\, and create opportunities for future generations to live\, learn\, grow food\, and care for Nipmuc homelands. \nRather than presenting Indigenous knowledge as a set of practices that can be separated from culture and place\, NIDC presenters will share perspectives from their own experiences caring for land and rebuilding land-based relationships within Nipmuc communities. \n  \nAccessibility: \nClosed captions will be available. \n  \nRegister Online Now\n  \nQuestions? \nContact Hannah at hannah@nofamass.dreamhosters.com \n  \nPartners \n \nHassanamisco Nipmuc Band\n The state-recognized Nipmuc tribe in Massachusetts and leader in land stewardship\, cultural continuity\, and the return of land to Nipmuc care. \n \nBelchertown-Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance\n A partnership supporting the conservation of agricultural land and the return of Nipmuc people to farming and land stewardship in Belchertown.
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/land-back-land-care-nipmuc-stewardship-in-a-changing-climate/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Community Call,NOFA/Mass Event,Online
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ORGANIZER;CN="NOFA/Mass Ed Events":MAILTO:events@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270306T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270306T170000
DTSTAMP:20260910T173126Z
CREATED:20260910T173126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T173126Z
UID:10001823-1804320000-1804352400@nofamass.dreamhosters.com
SUMMARY:40th Annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the 40th Annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference as we celebrate four decades of cultivating organic agriculture\, resilient communities\, and ecological stewardship. \nThis year’s theme\, The Future We’re Growing\, honors the knowledge and relationships that have shaped our movement while looking ahead to the future we are building together. Bridging past wisdom\, present circumstance\, and future possibility\, the conference invites us to explore the ideas\, innovations\, and collaborations that will sustain our farms\, food systems\, and landscapes for generations to come. \nThe NOFA/Mass Winter Conference is a long-standing gathering rooted in organic agriculture\, ecological land stewardship\, and resilient food systems. Each year\, hundreds of farmers\, gardeners\, land stewards\, educators\, food systems professionals\, researchers\, and community members from across Massachusetts and the Northeast come together to learn\, share knowledge\, and strengthen connections across our growing community. \nLearn more
URL:https://nofamass.dreamhosters.com/event/40th-annual-nofa-mass-winter-conference/
LOCATION:UMass Amherst Campus Center\, 1 Campus Center Way\, Amherst\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:NOFA/Mass Event,Winter Conference
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