We would like to introduce you to the people of meadowlark farm.  Jenny Tutlis and Jon Watts live at the farm with Ella (13)and Eli(11).  We've been farming together organically for 20 years.  We grew up in Traverse City and our supportive and wonderful parents still live there.  The small community that lies at the heart of the CSA is composed of local people who care about each other, the farm and good food. They are the meadowlark small community:

1.Carol Laughing Waters, our farm mother. She has had a work share since meadowlark began. She tends a dye garden and carries the plant world close to her heart.  We are grateful for her wisdom and energy toward helping us all be healthy with plant medicines and good advice.  

 

2. Lynn Kinker, flower friend, perennial garden mother, organizer, mom of Olivia and Lillian, farmworker. Lynn tends to many parts of meadowlark all year round from planning to planting and everything in between. Her favorite job is flower bouquet making. She has been a part of meadowlark for a very long time.

 3. Robert Bartle,  holds the farm in his heart , hands and mind.   Part of the farm for 9 years, Robert brings many life experiences and boundless energy with him. Robert is responsible for the veggie harvest each week and manages the folk who make that happen.  He keeps us all laughing on our toes!

4.  Holly Wren Spaulding, poet and lover of Meeka the cat and Lucy the dog.  Holly joined meadowlark many years ago(at the old farm) and continues to grace the flower crew and beautification committee.

5. Nick Preneta, sculptor, furniture maker, bread baker.  Nick joins meadowlark's core crew for the fourth year.  His steady, patient and reliable energy keeps us all grounded and on task.

6. Julie Alpers, barefoot runner, salad maestro.  Julie and Nick were wed last summer and they live together now in Leelanau county tending their sheep and dreaming of their own farming futures.

7. Jennifer Lucas, artist, cook for the Leelanau Children's Center Northport during the off season mother of Augustus.  Jen's bright smile, deep well of energy and care and attention to the plant world are a blessing.  Jen is a part of the flower and veggie crew.  

8. Berkeley Gossett, lover of music, hot peppers, chickens and a good prank, works at the Leelanau Children's Center during the off season.  His sense of humor infuses the farm's daily rhythm with much appreciated joking and a positive outlook. 

9. Augustus Finch Gossett, baby goo, lover of dogs especially Mr. Shemp, soon to be running.  Augustus was born last spring, April 5th.  He is the latest member of the meadowlark family and we can't wait to see him playing in the gardens this summer.

10. Nancy Allen, chef extraordinaire, lover of dino kale and dear friend. Nancy has been cooking for the farm crew every Friday for the last few seasons and for that we are most grateful and so appreciative.  Her recipes and ideas for using farm vegetables are an inspiration.  Her private lessons with ella and eli last year have enabled them to cook dinner once a week on a regular basis-Yeah!  Check out her blog from last year in left hand menu of our home page.

 

10. Abby VanDusen, flower girl, sweet soul, loves to knit and weave.  Abby's positive attitude and glowing smile are a gift to all.  She will join the flower crew full time this year.

11. Liz Och, student at Northwestern University during off season.  Liz brings a sharp mind and organized being to our world for which we are thankful. Her good attitude and love of fresh veggies is appreciated.

12. Carissa Visser, farmer at Isadore Farm, lover of kale and quirky humor. Carissa and her partner Matt have finished their own home near Cedar and you may see her at the TC Farmer's market this summer. 

13. Lou Blouin, bandonian player, Radio Anyway celebrity, Lou returns to Meadowlark after volunteering for many years on the salad crew he joins the veggie crew this year and keeps us laughing.

14. Emily Bingham, blogs about cooking, amazing singer, flower lady.  Emily joined the flower crew and we appreciated her steady energy and great laugh.

13. Dave Halsted, retired friend who helps with construction projects around the farm including hoophouses, granary, chicken fencing and more.  His rioutous laugh and good attitude toward projects big and small are appreciated deeply. He also helps care for the heirloom tomatoes with his good friend Price Watts.

Last but not least, we pay homage to the love and support provided by our dear parents Jane and Price Watts and Tut and Louise Tutlis.  Their continuing commitment to this community and our family are deeply appreciated.
The meadowlark kids are Ella, Eli,  Elena, Olivia, Lillian and Augustus. They are the spirit of the farm and remind us everyday.