One benefit of introducing and immersing children in the outdoors early on is that they tend to develop a more caring attitude toward nature, and eventually a sense of responsibility for the stewardship of the environment. In my humble opinion, I think that over the next century we are going to need as many "environmentalists" as we can get.
On this note, I would like to pay homage to some of the amazing people that I met over the weekend with my sister and daughter, and also give thanks to the adults in their lives that helped to show them the importance of caring for our earth, and the creatures that live here.
Meet Tron, lamb celebrity.
Over the weekend, we were fortunate enough to attend a farm tour and dinner. The event was co-hosted by two local farms. The farm we toured is called Mint Creek Farm and the dinner included meats from Mint Creek as well as produce from Three Plaid Farmers.
Though it turned out to be the hottest day of the summer so far, my daughter was enamored and energized by the chance to meet so many animals and I was continually impressed by the level of attention that was paid to their care. We saw goats, ducks, sheep, chickens (where we get what I consider the best eggs EVER), turkeys, pigs, and cows. Though it may seem a little strange to say, they all seemed "happy". Each group was given free range to food and water. They lived in large groups. "Mommies, daddies, and babies" all running around together. Even in the sweltering heat, it was very idyllic.
Admiring the chickens.
As I walked around, I realized that the decision to have a farm like this is a very intentional, and often not-so-profitable, one. I am so thankful for Harry and Gwen Carr (the owners of Mint Creek) for their decision to create this wonderful place, and keep it going, year after year. I was lucky enough to talk to Harry a bit (he gave us the tour). He is so incredibly knowledgable about his work, and the animals, and it was a joy to spend a the day with him.
The dinner was simply the "icing on the cake": absolutely exquisite food prepared by chef Sarah Rinkavage of Chicago's own Lula Cafe. Throughout the dinner, we were reminded of the many steps it takes to get from farm to deliciousness. Carolyn Cismoski, co-owner of Three Plaid Farmers talked a bit about the heavy rains this year, and the toll they have taken. (Carolyn was also in charge of greeting us and getting everyone signed in at the beginning of the event, and her kind nature struck me from the moment I walked up to the sign-in table.)
The menu.
As I reflect on the day, I think about two things: kindness and gratitude. There were so many layers of kindness, from the treatment of the animals, to the animals themselves accommodating us as we invaded their "space" with our eager city-selves, hoping to absorb just a bit of the country dirt and scenery before we bustled back to our busy urban lives. And there was gratitude: gratitude from the farmers for our appreciation and attention, and gratitude in our bellies after a delicious meal that was truly wholesome in every sense of the word.
And my daughter. I never imagined she would put up with the heat and the rigamarole, but she did. In fact, not only did she put up with it, she relished every second. The experience was so "up close and personal" and REAL. Nature play on a whole new level.
Duck egg!
When I prepared my family's dinner the next night, I used extra care not to waste any portion of the beautiful carrots, turnips, and other produce that had come in our CSA from Three Plaid Farmers this week. I have a newfound respect for the work that went into bringing them to my kitchen. I also have a new appreciation for the expression "farm to table", and truly sincere gratitude for all the animals, plants, and farmers (some of the original "environmentalists") that make this process a reality.