I live in the heart of Phoenix Arizona, and 17 years ago I purchased my home on 1/3 of an acre to expand my gardening habit, as it had always been my goal to be an organic farmer. During the most recent years on quite a few occasions I would open my yard up for a tour or class on organic something or another. A few years ago I went back to school and in one of my classes I had to define a mission and vision for my life. I had always dreamed that I would go out there somewhere and be an organic farmer…what I discovered was that I was already doing what I wanted – that was to teach and showcase. In that moment in 2001, in a class called BIS301 The Urban Farm was born. These days I call The Urban Farm an environmental showcase home featuring extensive edible landscaping (including over 60 fruit trees), three different kinds of solar panels (Photovoltaics, thermal air and water heating), rainwater harvesting, three greywater harvesting systems, plus a remodeled 800 square foot patio primarily made from reclaimed materials. My intent is that I create all of this so that it fits into a mainstream lifestyle, so that when visitors arrive they can imagine that they too could implement some of the changes I have made at The Urban Farm, in their lives.
Down on the Urban Farm will be my musings and observations of just what goes into making our urban areas more sustainable. I will include stuff of a local interest such as all the classes and tours that we offer as well as pictures and processes that can be integrated in your life whether you live in an apartment in New York City or have some land in Santa Fe. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to chatting.
