Roots Rising Secures Land for Youth Farm
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After an extensive, multi-year search, Roots Rising announced the successful acquisition of 923 Barker Road in Pittsfield, marking a milestone in their journey towards launching the Youth Farm.
The process of finding the right location for the Youth Farm involved years of searching and the exploration of over twenty parcels. Roots Rising ensured that the selected land was not only viable but aligned with their vision. Serious consideration was given to several potential locations, including a thorough exploration of a parcel within Springside Park.
The Youth Farm will be teen-powered and community-centered, integrating Roots Rising's longstanding food justice and youth development work. More than just a farm, the property will serve as Roots Rising's long-awaited homebase, housing both offices and an education center. It will provide space to deepen their work and champion the organization's values: youth empowerment, food justice, community building, a strong local food system, and connection to the land.
"Roots Rising's Youth Farm will be a dynamic component of our vibrant local food system, responding to community needs and fostering deep connections between people and the land. After lots of hard work behind the scenes, the moment has arrived for us to put our hands in the soil and bring this vision to life." said Lauren Piotrowski, Roots Rising farm manager.
"We want to express our profound gratitude to the community for their unwavering support through the extensive years of our land search," Roots Rising Executive Director Jessica Vecchia said. "This acquisition not only represents a significant step forward for Roots Rising, but really underscores our commitment to the city and community we serve."
Roots Rising extends thanks to the funders who have played a role in making the first step of land acquisition possible:
- Bud Ackerman Fund
- City of Pittsfield
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
- Green Pastures Fund
- Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation
- Lenox Garden Club, Garden Club of America
- Lisa Messinger
- Mass Development
- Neenah Technical Materials
- Roaring Brook Family Foundation
- The Donald C. McGraw Foundation
- And many individual donors
