The North Shore Dish Local Farmers Connect to Land and Community By Chuck Viren
Many who move to the North Shore seek a deeper connection with the land. For some, that connection involves gardening, producing one’s own food from the land. It takes a lot of knowledge, dedication, and adaptability to produce quality, consistent crops in this environment with its rocky ground and short growing season. Some brought specialized knowledge to the task. Some managed to produce more than they could consume and began selling at local farmer’s markets. Some began offering CSAs for sale—Community Supported Agriculture. Those who turned their passion for gardening into a family business learned to adapt and diversify their offerings. Let’s look at three such local farms: Maple Hill Sugarbush and Gardens near Grand Marais, Chelsea Morning Farm near Silver Creek in the Two Harbors area, and Round River Farm near Finland. All have their own stories and backgrounds, and all have found their own niche. Melinda and Mark Spinler, owners of Maple Hill Sugarbush and Gardens, met in college. Mark had grown up on a farm in southern Minnesota and had farming in his blood. Melinda grew up in a military family, moving every three years or so. Her roots were in the Appalachian Mountains, where her relatives were farmers and miners, and very independent and self-sufficient. She had developed a love of gardening. But because of her somewhat nomadic upbringing, she was looking for a place to settle down. They moved to the North Shore in 1984, bought a remote parcel of land, and of course put in a garden. Melinda became involved with the Cook County Whole Foods Coop in its early days. Back then, it was difficult to find a variety of high-quality produce. She was in communication with other local growers and worked to establish a farmers’ market in Grand Marais. Customers at the market eventually suggested they start a CSA. Initially she formed a cooperative with other growers to meet the demands of local customers. Eventually some of the other growers got bigger and ventured out on their own, so now they offer 15 to 20 shares solely from their farm and also sell food at the Cook County Market. CSA shares for this year are still available. They have definitely learned to diversify. Mark had tapped maples on his farm 20
MAY 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
Cree Bradley with CSA Crates. Bradley is the owner of Chelsea Morning Farm near Two Harbors, alongside her husband Jason. | SUBMITTED
