Camp Riverlea rents some of its 100 acres to local farmers, who have planted corn, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum in recent years. You may remember seeing lovely rows of corn filling the fields as you head up the driveway towards the Shire. This year, in addition to the corn, you’ll see some different crops growing in two acres near the tennis court. Two sustainable small-scale farms, Little Sprout Farm and Dig It Farm, are leasing land from camp to grow produce for local markets.
Becca Wait started Little Sprout Farm in 2010 and is committed to using earth-friendly practices to grow a variety of delicious produce. She was a nature counselor at Riverlea in 2005 and 2006! You can find Little Sprout Farm at the Chapel Hill Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
After spending several years working on farms and learning about sustainable agriculture in California and in the Durham area, David Barrett decided last year to start Dig It Farm. Dave loves providing tasty, fresh produce to his customers and contributing to a healthy local food system. Dig It Farm sells at the South Durham Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
We’re happy that Riverlea is able to provide land for these farmers and that campers will get to see rows of colorful vegetables all summer long. Campers will get to pick and eat fresh food from our camp garden, which is right next to the farm fields. We can’t wait for summer to start!