On a hot Saturday morning on June 25th, over 55 participants joined us on our urban farm bike ride. This year, we had five farms who agreed to host us for the ride. All of our farm hosts were incredibly gracious to show us around on such a hot day, and they were all so enthusiastic as well! We started in Bywater, rode through the Lower Ninth ward, and ended in the Upper Ninth ward. We saw turkeys, chickens, rabbits, ate poha berries, and rode over 10 miles!
We started the great adventure at Press Street Gardens, where Elliot, one of the farmers, took the time to explain the farm to us and gave everyone a tour.
Press Street Gardens is a non-profit partner of New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. The urban farm grows vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are utilized by the school’s culinary students and health education courses. They also grow produce for Press Street Station, a block away, as well as for residents through their Community Supported Agriculture program. The farm also provides free educational workshops for the public. During the tour, the enthusiastic group had lots of questions for Elliot, who gladly provided informative answers.
After everyone said hello to the chickens and explored the expansive farm, everyone hopped on their bikes and journeyed over to the Lower Ninth. Our second stop was at Owl City Farm. ___and Eddie grow food and raise turkeys and chickens in their back and side yards. They sell eggs by the dozen to their neighbors or anyone who stops by for $2.50. Their goal isn’t to make a profit, but to provide some of their neighbors with access to fresh and cheap local food.
Tara and Eddie also produce jams, pickled goods, and marmalades that are available for purchase. They sold their goods to us during the ride, as well as fresh turkey, meat pies, and chicken eggs. They are growing turkeys for Thanksgiving, and they just have some left if you would like to make a deposit on one!
For our third stop, we ventured over to Garden on Mars. Ms. Jeanette Bell was waiting for us, and she was more than happy to tell us about her farms and their relationship with the neighborhood. She has two gardens that are within a block of each other, and we were able to see both!
