As the winter solstice approaches, bringing with it the shortest day and longest night of the year, we are reminded of the cyclical rhythms of nature. This celestial event is a moment for reflection, renewal, and gratitude, offering a chance to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. For us at Farm Discovery, the solstice serves as a reminder of our connection to our fields and to the community we nourish.
The Winter Solstice, typically falling on December 21st, is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Across cultures, the winter solstice is a symbol of hopeful new beginnings, often noted as ‘the rebirth of the sun’. Historical sites such as Stonehenge remind us of our deep-rooted connection to the earth and the ancient wisdom of past civilizations. Alongside the themes of renewal and rebirth, the solstice also marks an important shift for farmers. It’s not only the shortest ‘workday’ of the year but also signals the beginning of longer, sun-filled days ahead.
Celebrate the solstice by writing reflections, lighting a candle, or walking in nature
At Farm Discovery, we embrace the Winter Solstice as a time to honor the natural cycles that sustain us. This year has been a season of growth and celebration, marked by the success of our annual Farm Camp, Fall Feast, and expanded staff. We’ve made exciting updates to our fields and are thrilled to welcome baby chicks to our coop this upcoming February! Our animal pens are in the early stage of receiving vital upgrades, ensuring the wellbeing of our animals and the effectiveness of our educational programs.This past year we also hosted 3 private events including a proposal and a farm to table experience with culinary students from Singapore! We are an organization with many moving parts and hope for this year to be our most streamlined and effective yet.
In addition to our educational initiatives, we remain deeply committed to nourishing our community. Our mission goes beyond teaching children about the land; we also focus on delivering nutritious, organic food to those in need. Through our produce program, we reach vulnerable populations, including seniors, veterans, foster youth, and farmworkers, helping to alleviate food insecurity in our community. One of our community partners, Encompass Services, recently shared, “For many of these young individuals, access to nutritious food was once a barrier they could not overcome, and your support has helped break that barrier down.” This feedback reminds us of the critical importance of our work, and we are committed to sharing even more of our harvest with those who need it most. We’ve donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce to three local food pantries and plan to expand our partnerships in 2025, ensuring more families and individuals have access to healthy, organic food.
We invite you to join us in this important work. Your donation can help us continue nourishing both the land and the people who call it home. Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful impact.As we look ahead, we are filled with hope for the future. The seeds we plant today—whether in the soil, in our programs, or in our community relationships—will grow into a bountiful harvest of positive change for generations to come. This Winter Solstice, we pause to reflect on how far we’ve come and look forward to the work still ahead. Together, we can continue to nourish both the land and the people who call it home.