Open Farm Day / Springvale Farm Walk July 24

The fourth Sunday in July is Maine Open Farm Day, and here in the heart of York County we celebrate with the annual Springvale Farm Walk, a self-guided walk from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parking is available at McDougal Orchards, Rivard Farm, Mousam Valley Mushrooms and the Sanford Community Garden.

Before you head out on the walk, fuel up with the Frannie’s Mini Donuts Crew at McDougal Orchards. Jeff will be making a special Farm Walk Egg Scramble using locally sourced ingredients (as possible) and serving it up with his freshly made bagels, Carpe Diem coffee, and of course a donut or two. They will be serving from 9:00 to 11:00. The cost is $10 per person.

On the walk, visit a variety of locally-owned farms while you amble through fields, orchards and woods. Along the route are ten farms, where you will be greeted by farmers who raise vegetables, sheep, orchard fruit, berries and mushrooms, and produce cheese and other items. Farms will have refreshing drinks and items for sale. The route is well marked and kid-friendly. Dogs on leashes and owners who pick up after them are welcome. The farms participating are:

• McDougal Orchards – rhubarb mint tea
• Twin Maples Farm – garlic and maple syrup
• Sky Island Homestead – wild and conventional medicinal herbs, chickens and bees
• Ferment Farm – fruits, vegetables, herbs and specialty foods
• Blueberry Bend – three varieties of highbush blueberries
• Mousam Valley Mushrooms – fabulous fungi
• Noon Family Sheep Farm – organic sheep, lambs and hay
• Two Toad Farm – pork & lamb, dairy, eggs and veggies
• Rivard Farm – pick your own highbush blueberries and raspberries
• McKeon Reserve / Sanford Community Garden

Walkers have options of two, three-to-four-mile loop trails or shorter versions. Please note, paper maps will not be available so print out your map in advance (see below) if you want a paper copy.

Visit the Farm Walk’s Facebook page to read some fascinating histories of the farms on the walk, or call Lee Burnett for more info at 207-206-2106.

The walk will be followed later in the day by a reception and auction to benefit Three Rivers Land Trust. See this story for more details.