Stepping into my first pair of overalls felt like I was joining a crazy cult of individuals who live , breathe , and sleep for nature - Individuals whose financial stability and career is dictated by temperamental and unreliable weather conditions and who wake up at incredibly daunting early hours of the morning to then labor in back-breaking conditions under the fierce and unforgiving sun . The most important lesson I learned this summer is that farmers are a rare and stunning breed of people . Being a farmer means that you have commit your body , mind and soul to serving at the whim of Mother Nature . It means sacrificing simple pleasures like showering daily and having clean nails , or avoiding sunburns or bug bites .
But these small costs are completely worth the multitude of rewards that farmers glean from their daily rituals nourishing the Earth and feeding communities . You see , farmers have it totally figured out . While the average person might scoff at their odd tan marks and dirty boots , farmers have figured out the secret to living a fulfilling life .
The Japanese have developed the practice of Shinrin-yoku , or forest breathing , which is a cornerstone of Japanese medicine . Essentially , forest breathing centers around the calming and restorative health benefits of spending time in nature , even if for a short period of time .
The oasis of calm and beauty of Boone Street Farm , tucked into the intense community of East Baltimore Midway , fulfills these conditions of achieving rejuvenation . The repetitive task of washing root vegetables in a dirty tub tucked under a canopy of trees might first appear strenuous and mind-numbing . However , the repetition creates peace in the mind , allowing for the appreciation of the smell of crushed mint and rosemary underfoot , and the feeling of the cool water rushing over your hands . The feeling of accomplishment at the end of the hard day , looking at a row of pruned and staked tomatoes or a basket of gleaming beets , makes the weariness feel like a trophy .
Community Partner : Boone Street Farm Peer Mentor : Isadora Schaller Site Supervisor : Marcus Carter
What is Boone Street Farm ? The mission of Boone Street Farm is to cultivate urban agriculture and improve resident health in East Baltimore Midway and Baltimore City . We grow fresh vegetables , herbs , and fruits for market and have programs that educate residents and youth about how to grow , eat , and nourish with neighborhood-grown food . Boone Street Farm strives to build the health of our urban environment by supporting our neighborhood to improve water quality and build soil health .
Boone Street Farm is an essential member of the East Baltimore Midway community , serving as a vital source of fresh produce in a Healthy Food Priority Area . Members of the crew come from across Baltimore , sometimes commuting for hours by foot and on the MTA , to make it on time for work at 7:30 am . The five farm locations , free of fences or barriers , stands as a representation of the mutual respect and trust the community holds for Boone Street . The dedication that the members of the farm have to educating , feeding , and serving the community is inspiring and serves as an example that we should all strive to follow .
• Worked as a senior member on the farm and supervised younger crew members when needed
• Assisted in the cultivation , production , and harvesting of seasonal produce for members of the Boone Street CSA ( Community Supported Agriculture )
• Seeded new crops for future seasons and supported weekly harvests for the Farm Alliance ’ s booth at the Waverly Farmers Market
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