Sumac Creek Farm
owned & operated by Locavore Farm
In the seventh year of its journey (2022), Locavore, under the stewardship of the Jones family, embarked on a remarkable expansion that symbolizes not just growth in size but a profound deepening of its commitment to sustainable farming and ecological stewardship. Transitioning from a modest five-acre farm to a sprawling 30-acre estate (Sumac Creek) located just two miles away from its original site, this move represents a bold leap towards realizing a vision of agriculture that is both sustainable and regenerative. The decision to convert this new acquisition from conventional farming practices to a permaculture-based approach is a testament to the family's dedication to principles that prioritize ecological health, biodiversity, and resilience.
Permaculture, a design system rooted in the observation of natural ecosystems, offers a blueprint for developing agricultural practices that work in harmony with nature, rather than against it. By adopting this approach, the Jones family aims to transform the 30-acre estate into a living example of how regenerative agricultural practices can create ecosystems that are not only productive but also self-sustaining and resilient. This involves a variety of strategies, including soil restoration techniques, water conservation measures, and the integration of crop diversity, all designed to mimic natural processes and create a balanced and healthy agricultural ecosystem.
The ambition of the Jones family goes beyond merely producing food. Through this expansion and transformation, they seek to demonstrate the potential for permaculture farming to generate not just abundance but also biodiversity, illustrating how agriculture can be a force for positive environmental change. By adopting and showcasing regenerative practices, they hope to inspire others to consider how they too can contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future. This initiative by Locavore is a beacon of hope, showing that with vision and commitment, it is possible to work in harmony with the earth to nourish both people and the planet for generations to come.
Our Vision
We seek to transform our conventional farm into a carbon-guzzling oasis. We have returned to the roots and traditions of early - at times even primitive - agriculture! We are climate-farming, putting in more than we take out in an effort to leave a sustainable operation for generations to come.
We will recontour the land, resulting in berms and swales that provide water and nutrients to the soil and plant roots from the ground up. Stratified planting, companion planting and diversification of plant species, replaces the system of monoculture. Trees, trees and more trees planted will protect soil from erosion, drive nutrients through the soil and into vegetation as well as break up soil to improve irrigation. We will build up our soil by using livestock and green manures, resulting in nutrient-dense food for our local food system.
We are good stewards of our land because we love the people who depend on earth’s planetary resources to live…. That is why our desire is to restore the connection of people, one to another. Every gathering at Sumac Creek Farms will deliver an experience that positively impacts how food is nurtured and shared.
We offer cultural and educational experiences:
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Dine on the Land, year-round farm-with-a-table dining experience
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Locavore Farm Summer Camps, one-day and multi day camps for kids under 17yrs.
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Farm-Stays and Retreats in a Historic Farmhouse or Glamp Tent
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Market and Shop Offerings, we offer seasonal products for body and soul in our shop or at market
