Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center
is a majority women- and BIPOC-led non-profit farm, ecological retreat, learning center, and wildlife sanctuary situated on 230 acres in the Catoctin Valley of Western Maryland on Piscataway land. The farm’s primary crops are medicinal and culinary herbs distributed through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. It received a $4,286 grant to purchase the materials to assemble an ergonomic post-harvest wash table, install drip irrigation to water crops efficiently, and buy a variety of flower and cover crop seed to attract pollinators and build soil health.
To date, it has successfully constructed a wash and drying table, purchased tools like Chamomile rakes and stem cutters, and completed its largest Lemongrass harvest to date, allowing it to donate surplus to DC Mutual Aid Apothecary. Despite challenges with drought and county permit delays, it made progress in cover cropping, soil health improvement, and irrigation planning. The grant funds have been fully utilized but installation is slated for spring and fall 2025. While the project isn’t fully completed, the impacts of the grant are evident, and the farm looks forward to sharing updates on its work.
