Introducing Parker Nichols, Wellspring all-around Trouble Shooter 

As the Farm Mechanic/Farmer’s husband, my responsibilities run from making home-brew kegs for staff happy-hour to purchasing screw extractor kits and tap & die sets.  I can’t decide if it would be more helpful to buy a trailer for our small sailboat, or purchase a welder to work on broken equipment. When off the farm I love to hunt mushrooms and be around boats.

Introducing Dana Berge, Wellspring Farm Apprentice 

(written by Morgan Decker, Fellow Apprentice)

Dana’s motto is “reduce”

She’s sometimes silly like a goose.

Cooking is what makes her shine

A smile and a laugh is what you’ll find.

Now rooted in Vermont

She hopes to homestead.

Oh, by the way, her nickname is “Red”.

Introducing Amanda Payne, Wellspring Farm Assistant Farm Manager 

I just can’t get enough of Wellspring! After two years as an apprentice (2004/2005) and one year as Montpelier Distribution Coordinator (2006) I’ve risen through the ranks to Assistant Farm Manager. So glad to be back growing vegetables at a place and with people who bring me much JOY!

Introducing Diana Batzel, Thursday Harvester (working member)

Diana Batzel returns for her second year as a working member. To get ready for all the weeding and harvesting at Wellspring she has been digging new gardens for her home, Marshfield Inn & Motel. When she's not moving giant rocks, planting irises or spreading compost Diana enjoys paddling her new kayak and new found hobby of playing poker with friends.  Working on the farm, being outside, a team of good people, and great food to eat is like being dealt a royal flush. How often does that happen?

Introducing Jeff Swift, Monday Harvester (working member)

Jeff remembers fondly the summer trips to his grandfather's dairy in western NY when he was young.  Agriculture has always interested him, and since moving here and witnessing the supportive culture of central VT he has decided to pursue farming as a career.  He is happy to have found Wellspring Farm as a place to practice, learn, laugh, and grow.

Introducing Lu Van Zeeland, Tuesday Field Worker (working member) 

I am proud to be the first working member of Wellspring Farm, having come to the farm as a volunteer four years ago.  I live in Montpelier and do consulting work with area high schools around education renewal and sustainability.  Here are a few of the many benefits for me of being a working member at Wellspring: The early morning mist rising from the fields, the calm that settles into my body after working hard with the land, the camaraderie and laughter and connections I build working side by side with others, the magnificent share of produce, and the sense in my heart at the end of the day that I have been a support to this dedicated farmer and magical farm. 

Introducing Morgan Decker, Wellspring Farm Apprentice 

IF I RAN THE FARM
(loosely after Dr. Seuss’ “If I Ran the Zoo”)
Written by fellow Apprentice Dana Berge

Said Morgan Wayne Decker
If I ran the farm
I’d change a few things
Mimi, don’t be alarmed

 I’d ship out to Utah where things dry more quickly
Where snow is for skiing and falls much more thickly
Grow things that come back in the spring & are prickly
And irrigate sometimes but only a trickle-y

 Now these things you call breaks are much much too brief
Me, I’d have twelve different times for relief
With much much more yoga & whistling & humming
And singing & fluting & strumming & drumming

 We’d farm not on tractors but on bikes & on boats
In the mornings we’d dine on bananas & oats
And Dana could visit with some of her goats

 Said Morgan Wayne Decker I’ll have my own farm
To sell my perennials with my boyish charm
But still down the road lie these many swell things
And until then I’m loving it here at Wellspring