As you think about all the ways to give back on Giving Tuesday, consider giving to Stearns Farm. This year, we are asking for your help in updating and improving the way we irrigate. Our ability to irrigate efficiently is crucial as we face an ever changing climate and the possibility of more droughts. Our goal of $8,000 will significantly improve some of our outdated and inefficient irrigation systems in order to adapt to the challenges of climate change. 

Historically, New England farmers relied on rainfall and irrigated very little. Climate change brings hotter summers, unpredictable rainfall, and frequent drought, making irrigation a necessity for farming sustainably and successfully. As drought becomes a regular feature of our growing season, we must act to update our irrigation systems to ensure that we are using water--a precious resource--responsibly and effectively.

Most of our irrigation is through drip line, which is a great way to deliver water directly to the plants’ roots. However, in some cases we are still using old sprinklers that are very inefficient in many ways. A lot of water is lost to evaporation and our particular sprinkler is inconsistent - overwatering anything just at its base and barely irrigating the crops further from the sprinkler’s reach. 

As we deal with the consequences of climate change, it’s vital that we adapt in a way that will help our crops to thrive. With your support, we can invest in technology and equipment to prepare Stearns Farm for a hotter, drier future that is already upon us.  

Give today online or send a check to Stearns Farm:

862 Edmands Rd

Framingham, MA 01701

Thank you,

Ember Fleming, Stearns Farm Manager

Nomi Sofer, President, Board of Directors