Fernie Arts and Culture Guide Spring 2022 | Page 20

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

Spruce Spring Stream Farms

The Elk Valley may not look like a great place for agriculture – it snows almost every month of the year , and the snow lays on the ground at lower elevations for around five months – but look a little closer , and you ’ ll see that with clever planning and adaptations , a lot can be achieved .
The farm was established on Hartley Lake Road in the 1960s and 70s and was developed with the hope of developing a land-based community in the style that was so popular in the 1970s . The first log cabin was bult in 1972 and many of the herb plants still growing on the property date back to this time .
Rebecca and Jeremy purchased Spruce Spring Stream Farms in 2013 with a vision to return the property to its organic roots and expand the enterprise to a sustainable , ongoing concern . They set to work clearing an additional acre of land and added a 1000sq ft greenhouse to the 30 established raised beds and perennial gardens . They also added extensive new garden beds and a small orchard to grow berries and fruit and nut trees .
The farm is powered with solar and micro-hydro systems and water is provided by artesian springs , which feeds into a gravity-based hydroponic system to support the greenhouse . Located in growing zone 3b at 3600ft , the short season lasts from May to October . The colder months and Fernie frosts require special care , but many vegetables and herbs thrive in this unique climate which offers abundant rainfall and sunshine . Produce from the farm includes garlic and garlic scapes , leafy greens , carrots , peppers , tomatoes , squash and legumes , and they specialise in a range of fresh and dried herbs , seasonings blends and herbal teas , all exclusively organic .
Find SSSF produce at the Local Store or in fine foods and beverages at Island Lake Lodge , Happy Cow Ice Cream or Fernie Distillery . The property is available to rent for special events and weddings .
Sprucespringstreamfarms . ca 250-423-7776
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