July 13, 2024 | 10:00am - 11:30pm
Location: LongWoods Preserve, Cumberland
Join Molly and Jordan McDuffie of Ambarona Farm, located at CCLT's LongWoods Preserve, and Sean Hagan of Maine Farmland Trust to learn about regenerative soil techniques and other climate resilience measures farmers are exploring locally and across the state. A discussion and farm tour with these agricultural experts will address and showcase rotational grazing, agroforestry, and other soil health efforts that combat the impacts of climate change. They will also discuss how farmland conservation and local food production are critical climate solutions. Come meet the farm's heritage Kerry cows and maybe even pick up a tip or two to improve the soil health of your own garden. This is also a great opportunity to explore the new trails at LongWoods Preserve on your own before or after the event.
About the presenters:
Molly and Jordan McDuffie are the owners and operators of Ambarona Farm at LongWoods Preserve, a diversified livestock operation providing nutrient-dense foods to the Cumberland community. Molly has spent the last 13 years working in veterinary medicine, primarily emergency and neurology, and developing her talents for working with animals and people. Jordan is an Army veteran and academic who found their way into agriculture through the intersections of food justice and direct climate action. While living in Colorado, Molly and Jordan decided to relocate to Molly's home region, New England, and found the opportunity to build their farm at LongWoods. They are now practicing multi-species rotational grazing on small acreage while monitoring and recording the changes to the landscape, developing cooperative agricultural models to bolster community resilience, and making good food!
Sean Hagan is a project manager at Maine Farmland Trust, where his work focuses on protecting farmland through agricultural easements and providing technical assistance to farmers navigating climate risks. Prior to his role at MFT, he owned and operated Left Field Farm, an organic vegetable farm in Bowdoinham, Maine. His farming journey has taken him from the hot and dry climate of central California to the rainy Pacific Northwest and the varied seasons of New England. He holds a Masters in Ecological Design and continues to find inspiration in the intersection of agriculture, ecology, and design. He currently lives in Portland with his partner and two kids, where they have a tiny but growing native plant nursery.
About the series: Weathering Climate Change: Understanding Shifts in Our Local Landscapes is an educational series of walks and talks aimed at informing, engaging, and uniting community members of Cumberland and Chebeague Island around local climate issues that impact us all. The series is offered in collaboration with Prince Memorial Library, the Cumberland Lands and Conservation Commission’s Sustainability Subcommittee, and the Chebeague Climate Action Team.