Food is not just fuel. 
Food is about family, 
Food is about community, 
Food is about identity. 
And we nourish all those things when we eat well. 

-- Michael Pollan

There's something magical about watching food grow. What starts as a tiny seed in the spring first emerges from the soil as a seedling and, by summertime, blossoms into a full, thriving plant. What appeared to be a barren field of dirt in March is now a thriving garden. Walking out to the garden to pick your next meal is a ritual nearly lost in our modern world of convenience.

The Everson Ranch garden continues to provide the opportunity for guests, visitors and volunteers to learn about sustainable food growth. Our garden is thriving under the watchful eye of garden manager Brian Ross. Brian has filled the hoop houses and the garden space continues to grow with the completion of several new trellises. With a passion for learning and seed saving, there are several varieties of well loved favorites planted so he can determine which will grow best in our high valley desert. Tasting the different types of basil was a learning experience for all of us. We had no idea they could each taste so different! We're waiting in anticipation for tomato season to see which of the heirloom varieties will win the taste test.

The garden also provides much needed nourishment for our volunteers. We couldn't be more grateful for all of the hard work provided by the folks we've had the honor of hosting. There's always so much to be done and having the summer help makes so much more possible. Thank you volunteers!!

One of our volunteers, Dorothy Lessem, wrote this about her day at the Everson Ranch:

Volunteering at the Everson Ranch (also known as playing in the dirt)

Who says you have to be on "FarmersOnly.com" to have fun? Instead try volunteering for a half day at the Everson Ranch. Recently Mark Allen and I volunteered to "weed and seed" at the Ranch. It may be a bit hard on your knees, but playing in the dirt (aka pulling weeds and planting seeds) is very therapeutic, and a throwback to the mudpies some of us made as children. When we finished planting a variety of beets, I helped prepare lunch for the volunteers, students, staff and others who also work there through a variety of programs. Picking the fresh vegetables for the salad was a real treat since I used to do that myself when I had a home garden. Other benefits include feeding the weed scraps to the chickens and visiting the other animals that live there. And .. next time I'm there I can check on the growth of the beets we planted. So, try volunteering, either at the ranch or the hot springs. Besides the intrinsic rewards of working in such a beautiful, peaceful environment, you will also get a pass for the hot springs. The staff's accomplishments rejuvenating the ranch are amazing and the environmental friendly approach is what this land is all about.

Over our members appreciation weekend, the ranch crew set up the first farmers market stand near the pavilion for Valley View guests. With fresh produce and a variety of goods created using food grown both on the ranch and throughout the valley, we hope to build our stand into a lasting part of the Valley View experience. We strive to provide fresh, organically grown food to our guests and community. The market stand also allows us another outlet to share with our guests the ideals that drive us; protecting the land and water, responsibly raising animals, improving the soil, and encouraging a culture of sustainability. Be sure to stop by the market stand for local produce, meat, eggs, ranch products, and to set up a tour to visit the ranch.

Our community Field to Fork meals are still being offered throughout the harvest season. Join us on Saturday for the "Market Stand & Grill from 10am to 2pm or on Sunday for brunch at 10am. Take a tour, visit the reservoir and stroll through the gardens. Our community of animals grew larger this June with the birth of piglets! Watching the baby pigs play is sure to brighten your day, but they won't stay little for long so be sure to stop by soon!

We've been relishing the rain. Even brief showers help to ease the anxious tension from so many dry months. Saguache County has ended the fire ban. However, we ask that you use only propane or gas stoves and grills. No open fires or charcoal grills are permitted anywhere. As always, smoking is restricted to inside the Smoke Hut or inside your vehicle. This is for everyone's safety and to show our respect for those who do not smoke. None of our guidelines are arbitrary. They are the result of careful thought and are meant to provide an atmosphere that works for all with minimal impact. This is a guideline that has evolved over many years. There are many people who have contributed to establishing and maintaining this guideline. We appreciate everyone who has accepted their responsibility in this regard and have demonstrated that we can coexist harmoniously. Thank you for smoking only at the Smoke Hut or inside your vehicle.