Farm Trails News
The history of Sonoma County agriculture is filled with a similar theme: Tired of city life, folks go back to the land, relearn lost skills, and raise animals. Through a combination of good timing, risk taking, and innovation, they create a successful business for the next generation to shepherd. Such is the story of Redwood Hill Farm — Capracopia. One of the earliest members of Farm Trails — they originally joined in 1974 — this pioneering goat farm has evolved with the times but always kept its footing firmly planted in Sebastopol, and in the hands of the Bice family.…
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For the first time in at least 15 years, Farm Trails had a float at the Apple Blossom Parade in Sebastopol on April, 29, 2023. The weather was beautiful, the crowd was joyful, and the float was awesome thanks to our creative team! We distributed hundreds of copies of the new Map & Guide and celebrated the Golden Anniversary of both Farm Trails and the Gravenstein Apple Fair. And big news: we won 3rd Place! We’re already looking forward to next year’s parade, and hope to see you there!
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Mother’s Day Along the Farm Trails FARM-FRESH BOUQUETS FROM FULL BLOOM FLOWER FARM: Both Full Bloom Flower Farm stands will be open for self-serve and all offerings are up on our website for delivery. Be sure to preorder online asap; these beautiful, field-grown bouquets will sell out! Farm stands open sun-up to sundown. Or gift Mom a 12-week summer flower CSA subscription. Two stands: 9516 Graton Road, Sebastopol; and 3855 Roblar Road, Petaluma; fullbloomflower.com FIELD-GROWN BOUQUETS FROM REDWOOD HILL FARM – CAPRACOPIA: Known for their dairy goats, Redwood Hill Farm – Capracopia also grows an amazing array of cut flowers…
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Wind your way through West Sonoma County, and you’ll notice the area’s apple heritage on strong display. Orchards dot hillsides and line rural roads. Street signs bear the names Gravenstein, Apple Blossom, Candy Apple, and so forth. Two of the largest events in Sebastopol are the Apple Blossom Festival and Farm Trails’ very own Gravenstein Apple Fair. Indeed, the seal of the City of Sebastopol features a Gravenstein. However, the apple industry has also endured formidable economic challenges over the decades, as orchards and apple processors have given way to vineyards and other development. But all is not lost. On…
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Ask anyone in the agricultural space in Sonoma County if they know Wendy Krupnick, and the answer will likely be a resounding “Yes!” A longtime resident of the county, Wendy is an environmental activist, seed saver, educator, volunteer, and community builder. She also owns and operates Chiatri de Laguna Farm in Santa Rosa, on the grounds of the former D. Grossi Egg Ranch (a charter member of Farm Trails), and is the volunteer coordinator for Farm Trails’ annual fundraiser, the Gravenstein Apple Fair. An indefatigable advocate for local sustainable agriculture, Wendy has inspired countless people, including all of us at…
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