FALMOUTH — Farm fields extending to the forest edge, miles of mowed grassy trails, and a timber-frame New England barn are all visible on a 62-acre spread off of Gray Road in Falmouth, offering a picturesque southern Maine vista that would fit suitably on a postcard. But what the view contains in natural beauty is matched by the triumph of human spirit and community that can also be seen each day at Hurricane Valley Farm.
“The area got its name in 1767 after a hurricane leveled most of the trees in the area and made it an ideal spot for farmers to settle. The farm was slated to become a 17-unit housing subdivision in 2015 but, instead, the community rallied to purchase the property,” said Mila Plavsic, executive director of the Falmouth Land Trust. “It’s so fitting that Cultivating Community now provides farming, education, and community agriculture here.”
Cultivating Community is a nonprofit food justice organization that leases the farm from the Falmouth Land Trust. The unique partnership has returned the land to food production, while allowing the public to enjoy the trails around the farm during all four seasons. Cultivating Community provides land access for recent immigrants, including many who have relocated from Africa, to grow culturally important crops in community gardens. The produce is for personal use as well as sold at farm stands and wholesale markets, donated to food pantries, and even given to public schools. The farm also produces bags of food for new immigrant families in southern Maine at no cost.
Standing tall at the entrance to the farm is the easily recognizable barn which is well over 100 years old. Its usefulness has never been greater as it’s depended upon for safe and dry storage of farm tools and equipment; drying space for storage crops; office and meeting space for staff, farmers, and gardeners; workshops for the public; and winter housing for animals.
“Restoring the multi-purpose barn is integral to the work of the farm and Cultivating Community in its work with recent immigrants,” said Plavsic.
While the barn is still structurally sound, the roof, siding, timber frame, and foundation are all in need of repair or replacement. The barn’s role as a linchpin to the farming operation and, by extension, the food assistance it offers to many in need, inspired Norway Savings Bank to commit $25,000 to the barn’s restoration and refurbishment.
“It’s great to see the reconstruction work underway as we’ve learned how important these renovations are to keeping the farm secure into the future,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Hurricane Valley Farm has had many chapters in its history and the latest is certainly impressive with the positive effect it’s having on the proud farmers, the grateful recipients of the food, and people enjoying the trails. Local food production and land preservation are both important areas of focus for NSB, and the work of Falmouth Land Trust and Cultivating Community is truly accomplishing both.”
As the barn receives new supports, the farm behind it is also getting a new look thanks to a ground-mounted solar array which is helping the farm’s efficiency and greatly offsetting its energy costs. However, the importance of keeping the barn strong and standing can’t be overstated. The Falmouth Land Trust and Cultivating Community are teaming up to host a Barn Fest at Hurricane Valley Farm on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 3-7 p.m. that will serve as a fundraiser for the barn renovation. For more information about the family-friendly festival, which has free admission, visit www.falmouthlandtrust.org/events/2024/10/6/barn-fest-hurricane-valley-farm.
“This is a story of local conservation, agriculture, food security, and community building, all prominent values of Norway Savings,” said Janice de Lima, community reinvestment act officer VP at NSB. “Over the decades, this land has served as a dairy farm, a horse farm, and for other uses, but to see the impact it is having and the joy it is cultivating now is amazing. Helping to bring the barn back to its former glory in support of this mission is a thrill for NSB and we encourage all who are able to consider joining the cause.”
For information about the barn, including additional ways in which people can help, visit www.falmouthlandtrust.org/help-save-the-barn.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
