Steve Stycos, who runs the Westbay Community Action farm operated on the city-owned former Barton Farm property on Centerville Road, expects this year's harvest to total 22,000 pounds of produce - a full two tons more than last
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
Steve Stycos, who runs the Westbay Community Action farm operated on the city-owned former Barton Farm property on Centerville Road, expects this year’s harvest to total 22,000 pounds of produce – a full two tons more than last year. About 70 percent of the tomatoes, corn, lettuce, squash, potatoes and other produce grown augments foods provided to individuals and families in need from the Westbay Market on Buttonwoods Avenue. In addition, produce was sold from a farmers market stand at Kent Hospital and at Warwick senior centers. Stycos is the only paid member of the working farm. Devoted volunteers who not only help with the planting and harvesting but also lend their expertise in the selection of produce grown, operating equipment and, just as important, fixing it when it breaks down, provide assistance. (Warwick Beacon photos and text by John Howell)
WINTER COVER:
Volunteer Maurice Davis, who frequently arrives at the farm by 6 a.m. during the summer months, tills a field planted with vetch and winter rye to restore nitrogen and organic material that will be plowed under in the spring for the planting of another crop. PLENTY TO CARE FOR:
With Davis behind the wheel of the tractor, Stycos follows into one of several fields used by the Westbay Farm. THEY COULD USE SOME HELP:
Carol Nolan and Joan Carello are regulars at the farm. Both assist in the harvest as evidenced by the tray of butternut squash they helped pick and both urged others to volunteer. “We can use the help,” said Joan.
1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
cnolan9
While I would have loved to be able to help pick the bountiful crop of butternut at West Bay Farm, I unfortunately could not. That honor goes to Steve, Moe, and Joan. The farm remains, as always, in need of volunteers of all sorts and all abilities. Whatever small to large things volunteers are able to do is always appreciated and valuable to so many. Please consider joining the friendly, joyful bunch of dedicated folks at West Bay Farm. Contact either Steve Stycos or the Warwick Dept of Parks and Recreation for more info.
Steve Stycos, West Bay Farm Manager, (401) 461-2618
Warwick Parks and Recreation, (401) 738-2000 ext. 6504
Monday, December 26, 2016 Report this