Local Growers: “The Challenges & Rewards of Growing Kelp, Vegetables, Oysters, Fruits, Goats and . . More!”

The Forum is particularly proud to present a panel representing many local Islesboro farming gardeners dedicated to keeping their eyes, hands, and hours active for the nurture of fruits, flowers, vegetables, seeds and root-vegetable gluten-free products. Their long daylight work on the land produces verdant
growth and, often leads to the related production of syrups, honey, baked goods, unexpected items processed from individual expertise. All growers participate with island markets, some put out produce on an independent basis as well. When such busy lives can make time, several enjoy sharing their natural wizardry with visitors: a few offer recipes and/or how-to for those of us who tend our own porch plantings. You’ll enjoy hearing how our happy island lives are improved and made tastier with the easily-acquired fresh and healthy produce just picked or prepared down the road.

Participants, at this time, include…

Sandy Oliver – Pretty Good Farm. Sandy, a long-time-island resident who owns, plants and manages Islesboro’s Pretty Good Farm, has a deep interest in sustainable agriculture.  A New England food historian she has written books on Colonial, Federal and current DownEast cooking.  She writes regular articles on kitchen and garden matters for several regional publications, and speaks broadly on food and sustainability.

Pam Larson and Michael Hutcherson – Growing Things organic market garden. Growing healthy food for the island is central to our mission and we also strive to involve the community in our process. Our approach is informed by no-dig and regenerative practices, and our priority is growing nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. We do not use herbicides, pesticides or man-made chemical fertilizers. This is our fourth year of growing a diverse mix of vegetables, flowers and seedlings for the Islesboro community. 

Kim Grindle – Islesboro Oyster Company. Long time Islesboro resident Kim, with the help of and a little shove from her kids, has established a thriving oyster farm in Gilkey Harbor.
Anna Zlotkowski – Anna is a rising Senior at ICS with an interest in agriculture and vet studies and is an avid animal lover. She rents out her small herd of goats on Islesboro, and the
surrounding islands, for land clearing.
Gaby Zlotkowski – on the growing business of kelp farming. Gaby was recently interviewed and featured in a Civil Eats article called, “A Young Oyster Farmer Carrying on the Family Business,” she talks about her kelp farming, how she was one of the forces in the development of an oyster farm, and how
being part of the working waterfront is continuing a family tradition.

Panel will be moderated by island resident John Rex-Waller.