Regional
Harvest Time at Loma Rica Ranch
Author: Nell Scannon, VP Communication and Outreach Carville Sierra, Inc
Published on Aug 30, 2008 - 7:51:16 AM

The 2007 Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Photo courtesy Nell Scannon

Photo courtesy Nell Scannon

Saturday, August 30, 2008 - The end of summer is the most wonderful time at the Loma Rica Ranch Organic Farm. Months of careful tending have culminated in acres of melons, squash, corn, pumpkins, grapes, raspberries, flowers, herbs, beans, enormous quantities of over forty varieties of tomatoes, and many other wonderful goodies. The Farm Stand has seen an amazing increase of sales over the last two years and is 'on the map' for many people's regular shopping routine.

Aside from the beautiful certified organic produce, the Farm hilltop is a peaceful place to simply come visit - and people are doing this more and more. A row of picnic tables beneath the nearly-century old sycamore trees is the perfect place to munch on cherry tomatoes and relax with your young ones. We are excited that the Loma Rica property is becoming more and more integrated into the lives of the citizens of Nevada County. This idea of the Ranch as public space is one of the central themes of our Neighborhood. Our biggest welcoming celebration is our annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch - this year on Saturday, October11th, from 11-6pm. This year we are excited to have our Pumpkin Patch open the entire month of October.

Historically private, this property has the potential to be an incredible public amenity for people of all ages and interests. Built into our plan are hundreds of open space, parks, miles of trails, community gardens, certified organic farm, horse park, health club with pools, daycare, after-school programs and basketball and tennis courts. While it will take up to twenty years to build everything, one by one, these assets will become available for public use. Integrated seamlessly next to homes built to look like historic Grass Valley and along our pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets, everything here is planned with sustainability and high-quality design in mind. There will even be assisted living so families can stay together in the same community. No corners have been cut.

The 2007 Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Photo courtesy Nell Scannon

The 2007 Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Photo courtesy Nell Scannon

We began with the organic farm because it was allowed in our pre-approval phase, but also because it was the perfect foundation for our sustainable philosophy and principles. Over the last five years, it has grown to 24 acres with a custom-built greenhouse, farm stand, over 600 fruit trees and rows upon rows of vegetables, berries, grapes and flowers. We have had a number of farming events that highlight horse-drawn and hand implements, as well as small-scale farm equipment. We have had lambing and pruning workshops and hosted gardening groups and classes of children. It has become the perfect palette to teach local people about farming and the ease and importance of eating locally.

Carville Sierra is a locally owned and family operated business. We have lived in the area for generations and have an intimate understanding of the local history and culture. We feel a great sense of personal responsibility for the comprehensive influences Loma Rica Ranch will have on the greater Grass Valley and Nevada County community. We will honor the history of the Ranch in addition to the greater region.

For more information on Loma Rica Ranch, the Farm, Horse Park, Festival or to schedule a time for a class to visit the Pumpkin Patch, please call or e-mail: 530-274-9059, nscannon@carvillesierra.com Our Farm Stand is open Monday- Friday 10am-5:30pm.

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