Festina Lente

Mission: To farm organically, producing and processing food (mainly fruits & vegetables, some garden herbs), establish a small farm business, and generally collaborate/support each other to lead a healthy, vibrant and fulfilling life – engaging positively with the local community to build relations and expand healthy living and eating practices.

Spiritual practice is welcomed, but not required. All religious traditions are respected. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced by the community founder. There is a small capilla or chapel on the property which can be used for meditation or prayer by community members.

Participation in Festina Lente requires a mature, grounded commitment – in body, mind and spirit. A certain level of respect, as well as fiscal and social responsibility is required. If you break or destroy something, you’ll be responsible to fix or replace it – be that a tool, tree or relation. Effective communication, right relations and conflict transformation are important processes we will practice together. In addition to working together on the farm, sharing occasional meals, fireside chats, star gazing and outings to local attractions is anticipated. Nearby community neighbors regularly organize sweat lodges and diverse gatherings that include a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, potlucks and seasonal rituals (solstice, spring ditch cleaning, luminarias).

The community founder has lived and travelled abroad extensively working in international development focused on capacity building and education. A foodie, friendly, detail-oriented, hard-working grandchild of immigrants, seeking open-minded, happy, skilled collaborators.

COMMUNITY GOALS & ACTIVITIES:

Below is my vision as the founder. I’m open to other’s creative inclinations and passions… co-creating and collaborative ventures outside this scope, especially if your interests are ecologically and spiritually holistic.

1) Restore and then maintain an outdoor kitchen garden and commercial size greenhouse using heirloom seeds (there is an active local seed exchange) that will fully feed the household members, selling the surplus in the local farmer’s markets.

2) Run a productive, organic fruit orchard and make value added products from the harvest including jams, chutney, dried fruit and salsas. Transition the orchard to an integrated, holistic farming model that will draw beneficial insects, promote soil fertility and yield sufficient produce for wildlife and humans.

3) Restore the riparian habitat of the Rio Grande, replanting Cottonwoods and native plants especially beneficial to pollinators, reduce invasive plants like Siberian Elm, Russian Olive trees, etc. Continue clearing sections of the river front for our use including: fire-pit, meditation area, picnic area.

4) Finish barn to enable multi-functional use as: drying area, cooking classes, summer housing for volunteers and visitors.

5) Start a farm-to-table cooking school, demonstrating how to grow organic kitchen gardens and make delicious, nutritious, internationally inspired dishes…Thai, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Afghan, Spanish, Italian yumminess.

6) Collaborate with WOOFF volunteers to expand the farm and explore offering on-site camping and guided eco and cultural tours and hikes in the local area.

7) Expand to another greenhouse to commercially grow organic heirloom chilies and other produce (kale, collards, mustard greens, and tomatoes).

From www.ic.org/directory/festina-lenta/:

Creating an abundant environment to feed - in body, mind and spirit- and house humans, as well as native species, beneficial plants and insects is the primary aim of this community-farm. Festina Lente is focused on environmentally sound land management, holistic, organic farming within a small, shared, and supportive community – of two-leggeds, four-leggeds, winged ones and all the other wild things that wander and frolic here. Community may be a bit of a misnomer as the farm is currently set up and permitted for only 2 dwellings – a main house and guest house (which needs to be finished). That means 2-3 people would live here permanently. In the future, WOOFers (farm volunteers/apprentices) and other guests will be able to camp and be housed in the large barn by the river. This would eventually bring the community to about 6-10 people in the summers.

This community is based on farm collaboration, productive communication and camaraderie. We will be living in close proximity and working together to produce and sell what we grow and create – both in terms of farm products, as well as (potentially) other endeavors like herb baskets, incense sticks, art-craft, eco-tours, farm-to-table cooking classes. There is ample opportunity for creative and artistic creation, as well as a farm business / cottage industry – drying herbs, making jams, and other products to sell at the local farmer’s markets, co-ops and local art fairs. The land also provides ample wood for firewood, camp fires and other projects….like fencing, bird houses, etc. However, the reality is living solely off of these efforts is not possible and more traditional paid employment will be necessary for members to supplement whatever income the farm may provide, unless they won the lottery or have a generous trust fund.

Presently, there is room for one person or a couple to live here, ideally in a mobile home (not provided) until the guest house is finished. If you are a skilled carpenter or builder, there may be an opportunity to help finish the guest house and live there for reduced rent. The bathroom & kitchen installation and flooring is the main work needed – electrical, septic and gas hook-up has been completed. The guest house is a beautiful space of approximately 800 sq ft, well insulated and lit with its own patio and will come comfortably and tastefully furnished.

STATUS AND APPROACH

In the immediate term, things are starting off with small, humble steps, proceeding slowly forward. The herb garden has been established and pollinator-friendly plants and zones are being expanded. The greenhouse needs significant repairs to be operational and the large barn is functional, but needs cosmetic finishings (dry wall, lighting and windows expanded). The guest house also needs work to allow a community partner to move in (principally bathroom, kitchen, flooring – electrical, septic and gas hookups have been completed).
I’ve found embracing this perpetual work in progress and not being overwhelmed by the unexpected hiccups and serendipities which constantly arise is a key element of enjoying and thriving here. Bear poked thru the screen last night, skunks dug up all the new plants last night, eagles are hunting along the river, Farm Bureau has a new program for replanting old fruit trees, neighbor’s dog took garden shoes yesterday, go for a swim in the river between pruning and weeding, farm buddies have extra tomatoes for you today, time for acequia communal ditch cleaning in the spring….

WHO THIS COMMUNITY IS A FIT FOR

If you’d like to farm, but cannot purchase your own land, or simply want to explore NM and organic farming for a time – this could be a good opportunity for you. Members need to be:

(1) financially self-sustaining (able to pay for rent and expenses)

(2) physically strong and capable of carrying out heavy labor, intense farm work - trimming trees, repairing fences, clearing brush, gardening, repairing and maintaining farm equipment, etc. usually for 8-14 hrs a day 5-6 days a week

(3) have their own transportation

(4) be willing to commit for a period of at least 6 months to a year

(5) be interested/skilled in organic, holistic farming or gardening – with a keen willingness to learn and collaborate together to discover what works and is financially viable as a business. Skills in carpentry or the other trades and business are a big plus.

Mature, responsible, and happy, grounded applications are welcome.

EXPECTATIONS:

-FINANCES: Members will have their own financial resources and means to sustain themselves economically, apart from farm activities and any potential income which may be earned. Barter and trade are commonly used in this area, which helps reduce financial costs. However, having a formal, paying local job is a necessity for community members as farm income is not yet established or stable.

-FARM & BUSINESS ACTIVITIES: Currently, farm produce is mainly being used for our own consumption. The intent is to expand activities and productivity into a small business. Farm activities, facilities, responsibilities, investments and any resulting income will be shared in an equitable and reasonable fashion according to the investments of the members.

-OWNERSHIP: Property ownership will remain with the founder. It is possible to purchase your own land on an adjoining lot from a neighbor and continue to farm collaboratively using the Festina Lente facilities (barn, greenhouse, fields, orchard).

-HOUSING: Community members can rent housing on the property (once the guest house is finished) or arrange for their own accommodations locally. The guest house is suitable for an individual or couple. Current facilities are insufficient for families.

-PETS & FARM ANIMALS: Pets and farm animals are able to be accommodated on the farm, with prior discussion and agreement on how and where they will be housed.

-DAMAGES: Strict responsibility for damages to property, including equipment, facilities and any other assets will be maintained. Following established practices to maintain the security of the property and effective care and maintenance of equipment is required.

-EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: If you’re interested and would like a response – please take some time to read and reflect on this. Re-read carefully what has been offered. Determine if this is truly a fit for you. Then write me a thoughtful, detailed response. Tell me about yourself – what your dreams and visions of community are, something about your skills and abilities, your finances, who you are, where you’ve lived, what your strengths and weaknesses are, how you’d like to grow and what a good life and legacy means for you. Short, two line blurbs and improvised, sparse texts will not be answered. Invest in this and I will reciprocate.

-ACCEPTANCE TO COMMUNITY: After an initial expression of interest is received, we can engage in further dialogue and exploration to see if we are a good match to collaborate initially through email. Then we can chat over the phone and skype. Once you become serious about potentially joining this community, it would be a good idea for you to plan to visit and explore the local area and farm. Especially if you are coming from outside New Mexico this is very important as not just the farm but the local culture and environment should be a match for you. There are inexpensive local housing options like couch surfing, WOOFing and camping. For final acceptance into the community, five references should be provided (3 business/work, 2 personal) and security deposit of $1,500 will be paid.

-NOT A GOOD FIT FOR: those wishing to live money-free lifestyles, including off-grid, scavenging, and similar approaches. Unfortunately, the current housing is insufficient for children – there’s only room for a single person or couple that doesn’t mind living in close quarters (guest house/studio).

FARM PROFILE

Located along the banks of the Rio Grande, this land has been farmed for over 5,000 years. Originally cultivated by the Anasazi, it is shared with many and requires harmonious living with an abundant and rambunctious wildlife community, including black bear, coyote, bald eagle, red tailed hawk, pheasant, owl, fox, skunk, raccoon, gopher, mice, elk, deer … et al. Finding a way to allow these neighbors to reside and prosper here, while not succumbing to poison, traps and other violence is at times a real challenge, but an important intent. Finding also a way to live in community with the diverse people who reside here, and all too frequently fear and distrust one another, that include: Puebloans or Native Americans, Hispanic descendants of the Spanish colonizers, recent Mexican immigrants, Anglos (predominantly artists), the largest Sikh community in the US and an ever-expanding mix of other flavorful groups… is something you should be aware of and interested in if you want to come here.
Festina Lente Farm is on five acres of irrigated land on the banks of the Rio Grande. It is part of the local acequia, a system of communal water ownership brought by the Spanish in medieval times, based on flood irrigation drawing water from the Rio Grande. There is a fruit orchard of over 100 trees – apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries and grapes, as well as an herb garden and commercially sized greenhouse (in need of repair to be functional). It has a bosque, or a riparian wooded area, of traditional cottonwood and wild flowers along the river which borders the property. The three fields are sometimes used for boarding horses, but could be used to farm cover crops or food for migrating birds. The area surrounding the house and barn is in the process of being landscaped as a pollinator garden and bird sanctuary. There is spectacular bird watching including: Bald Eagles that hunt along the river, cranes, ducks, geese, wood peckers, hummingbirds, towhees, juncos, orioles, kingbirds, magpies, doves, warblers, grosbeaks, nuthatches, chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, robins.

LOCAL AREA

Velarde, where Festina Lente Farm is located, is a small farming valley coming out the mountains and Rio Grande gorge to the north, near the Colorado border. It has a micro-climate particularly suited to farming and a large share of the farms selling at the farmer’s markets, Whole Foods and other outlets are based here. Historically, the Three Sisters (maize, squash, beans) were cultivated. In modern times, crops have shifted from grapes to apples to chiles.
Mesa Prieta, the largest documented petroglyph site in the US with 150,000 glyphs spanning 5,000 years of Native and colonial history is just behind the house. Petroglyphs can be seen along the road as you approach the farm. There is a wonderful, active non-profit dedicated to documenting the petroglyphs and leading public tours which most of the neighborhood participates in.

The closest large town is Espanola, about 10 min drive south on highway 68. It is 45 min from Santa Fe, 35 to Los Alamos (which are south). To the north it’s 30 min to Taos, 20 min to Dixon, a very active mixed community with an excellent co-op, community center and library. Other local attractions: Ojo Caliente hot springs and Abiquiu are about 40-45 min away.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

You can swim and fish right from the house. Cycling on lovely back country roads, including the one the house is on is a common hobby. Strategically situated between Taos and Santa Fe, it offers easy access to hiking, skiing, lakes, hot springs and scenic drives in Georgia O’Keefe country, as well as many historic monuments and art galleries.

CLIMATE

We have four pronounced seasons here with a colorful fall filled with golden cottonwoods and aspens, cold winters with occasional snows (1-2 inches that immediately melts), standard spring weather and hot, dry summers with monsoon rains that usually begin in July. The weather of Northern New Mexico is much drier than other parts of the country but much more temperate than the southern part of the state. Being part of the southwest, we have a huge temperature differential between daytime and nighttime temps – usually a 40 degree differential. For example, in the summer daytime temps average 85-90 degrees and god down to the 40-50s in the evenings. Global climate change has significantly altered weather patterns and we are getting earlier frosts which has significantly reduced orchard productivity. Rising temperatures, on the other hand, have created excellent opportunities for chile cultivation, which is a good cash crop.

The farm is situated in a ‘banana belt’ micro-climate that is warm and well suited to farming. Because it’s situated along the Rio Grande, the air is cool and not as dry as other areas. Mosquitos are quite prevalent throughout the summer but tend to be active mostly during dawn and dust.

COMMUNITY INTENT

I purchased this farm as a refuge and sanctuary from my often difficult and draining career in international development. Cicero said, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” I would humbly add, a community of friends to that. I’m interested in gathering a few like-minded souls to share this lovely place and farm together as, like so much in life, it requires a group effort to succeed. Along the lines of the Ancient Greek philosopher, Epicurus, whose “philosophy of the garden” asserted happiness was the result of friendship, freedom and an analyzed life – I believe happiness and fulfillment come from hard physical work rooted in a natural environment, living in the three C’s (collaboration, cooperation, community) and a discerned, spiritually grounded living….with a little rambunctious playfulness and belly-aching laughter.

COMMUNITY SIZE

There’s room for a single person or couple to live here - either in the guest house (which needs completion) or in a temporary housing structure such as a mobile home or yurt. With a little sweat and dedication we can grow enough food to live off of and trade or sell at the farmer’s markets. Lots of odd jobs can be done locally for a little extra financing. I also plan to continue doing short term consultancies in aid work to sustain myself. New Mexicans have a long history of clever resiliency to survive which is absolutely charming…or as they say here part of the land’s enchantment. There is no single path to success here. We’re weaving a tapestry together on the land and with each other.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A lot of information has been provided here. If you’re interested in learning more and would like a response – please take some time to read and reflect on what has been provided. It is HGIGHLY recommended you re-read and carefully consider the expectations, vision and other requisites for collaboration. Determine if this is truly a fit for you. Then write me a thoughtful, detailed response. Tell me about yourself – what your dreams and visions of community are, what experience you have with community and collaborative ventures, something about your skills and abilities, your finances, who you are, where you’ve lived, what your strengths and weaknesses are, how you’d like to grow and what a good life and legacy means for you. Short, two line blurbs and improvised, sparse messages will not be answered. Invest in this and I will reciprocate.

Thank you for taking the time to read and explore this budding community.

Blessings and best wishes that you find your ideal community and lead a full, happy life.

SARVA MANGALAM

A service of the Data Commons Co-op. The project has been supported by Equal Exchange, the Cooperative Charitable Trust, the USDA, and many others - thank you! Tech volunteers over the years include: Benjamin Bradley with support from GAIA Host. Ben Mauer with support from Quilted. Paul Fitzpatrick. Ronin Tech Collective, Brattleboro Tech Collective, Sligo Computer Services. Jason Lemieux. Default map tiles courtesy of MapQuest. Default map data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA.