A Message to Ancram Gardeners and Farmers

A Message to Ancram Gardeners and Farmers

Whether we came to Ancram from elsewhere or grew up in the area, we have been moved by the extraordinary natural beauty of our town. Many of us have been motivated by that beauty to cultivate the land, on a scale ranging from the smallest gardens to farms of many acres. Whatever our level of experience with a garden or farm, the encouragement and advice of fellow gardeners or farmers is invaluable.

Some of us who have lived and gardened here for periods ranging from a few months to many years would like to organize a regular forum that would provide more opportunities for us to exchange information and knowledge about gardening and land use.

We are by no means experts, and in fact welcome the label of amateurs, but we are confident that the depth of learning that exists in our community could provide a valuable resource for all of us.

To that end we invite all who share our interest to gather on a monthly basis for open-ended conversation about the experiences, challenges and opportunities we have faced as cultivators of the land.

The backdrop to this effort is the growing awareness of climate change and the alterations it will bring about to everyone’s relationship with our natural surroundings. Other recent developments, such as environmental pollution and overuse, the introduction of new pests and diseases, the arrival on an unprecedented scale of invasive species of plants, and changes caused by human responses to these developments, will certainly also figure in our discussions.

We suggest that the initial meeting be open-ended, so that our agenda can evolve naturally from the interests and concerns of those who join us.

If you are interested in attending a first meeting at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 10, 2022, please RSVP to host Michael Roberts at

michaelroberts101@gmail.com for an address and directions.

Hope to see you on December 10.

Michael Roberts

Susan Arterian

Jay Lorenz