ENVIRONMENT FEATURE
EVERGREENS FARM
Whether it is snowing , hailing , or blazing hot outside , at Evergreens Farm it ’ s always a lush 21 degrees celsius and sunny . At Fernie ’ s innovative new hydroponic farm , vibrant green leaves stretch towards the bright lights , thriving in an environment far removed from harsh extremes outside . Evergreens is a social enterprise operated by Wildsight Elk Valley , dedicated to providing fresh , locally grown , pesticide-free leafy greens year-round .
With only about 90 frost-free days annually in the Elk Valley , outdoor growing is limited , making the community heavily dependent on imported food . Evergreens was founded to increase the year-round supply of local food and strengthen the local food system . Controlled Environment Agriculture is an advanced agricultural method that grows plants indoors without soil . Instead , plants absorb nutrients directly from water and receive energy from full-spectrum LED lights . This method is incredibly efficient , using 90 % less water than traditional farming . The climate-controlled environment ensures fresh , nutritious greens regardless of the weather outside , providing a reliable source of produce throughout the year .
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Why does local lettuce matter ? It ’ s simple : less transportation means a smaller carbon footprint . While lettuce from California or Mexico travels thousands of kilometres to reach Fernie , Evergreens Farm lettuce is grown right in Fernie at the Community EcoGarden . This not only ensures fresher greens on your plate but also supports local jobs and strengthens Fernie ’ s food system . Evergreens ’ commitment goes beyond growing greens . A portion of all produce is donated to the Fernie Food Bank to bring fresh greens to food-insecure community members .
For visitors and locals eager to experience the magic of Evergreens firsthand , the Farm offers weekly volunteer sessions , a behind-the-scenes tour where you ’ ll help pack leafy greens destined for community distribution and can learn about this incredible new facility . And you ’ ll even leave with a bundle of fresh produce to enjoy at home .
wildsight . ca / evergreens