Homegrown Indiana Farm Tour at Marble Hill Farm in Monroe County

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Homegrown Indiana Farm Tour – Summer 2017 General Information

Date and Time: Sunday, July 9 from 4 – 8:30 pm (see itinerary for details on the times)

Location: Marble Hill Farm with an optional tour of Blue Hour Farm. Guests driving on their own will be sent directions in advance. Both locations are less than a half hour from downtown Bloomington. Guests taking the buses will leave from and return to City Hall.


Cost: $50
Min/Max: 30/80 (65 is the maximum on the buses)

Registration: Register by July 3 in the Parks Office or online at Bloomington Parks (the registration code is 86501-A if taking the bus and 86501-B if driving independently). There are no refunds after the registration deadline. Prior to the July 3 deadline, there is a $3 administrative fee for cancellations.


Information: Marcia at (812) 349-3738, veldmanm@bloomington.in.gov, Bloomington Farmers Market.

General Description

This summer the Homegrown Indiana Farm Tour features an optional tour of Blue Hour Farm followed by social hour, a tour and a farm to fork meal at Marble Hill Farm.

Blue Hour Farm is a 3.3 acre vegetable farm located in the rolling hills of Van Buren Township on

the south western side of Bloomington. Utilizing over ten years of experience on other local farms, Grant Pershing uses all organic practices as well as some permaculture techniques including: no till  raised beds, water catchment, beneficial insect habitats, polyculture and perennial plantings. Grant’s goals include growing healthy and nutrient dense food for a CSA, some wholesale, and the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market.

Marble Hill Farm, located in Southwest Monroe County, is owned and managed by Kip and Whitney Schlegel and is in its twentieth year of operation. The 150-acre farm sits on one of the highest points in the county and consists of pasture and woodlands. Over two hundred animals live on the farm, including Angus cattle for beef, Shetland sheep for wool, pastured poultry for eggs and horses, donkeys, waterfowl, dogs and cats for pleasure. Marble Hill Farm began its operation with 6 Lowline Angus heifers that have since grown into a herd of 40. The first to market beef at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market, the farm recently received the first USDA grass fed beef certification issued in Southern Indiana. The addition of Shetland sheep has enhanced the beauty of the farm in both their presence and the fine wool they produce, some of which is hand- dyed with plants grown on the farm. The farm recently received two grants from the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve soil health and forage growth so as to further implement a multi-species rotational grazing system. The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) has also provided expertise and funding to support land stewardship on the farm. A third NRCS grant has equipped the farm with a second high tunnel for extending the growing season of produce and specialty crops. Marble Hill farm engages in a variety of community partnerships, including Girls Inc., the Banneker Center, WonderLab and Indiana University, designed to increase farm-based education and experiential learning opportunities. Inquires about partnerships and farm visits are welcome.

The evening will culminate in a dinner prepared by local chefs from Big Woods Bloomington, C3 Bar and Truffles, including vegetarian and vegan options. It is a farm to fork experience you will not want to miss.

Co-sponsored by Bloomingfoods Market and Deli, Harvest Moon Flower Farm, Big Woods Bloomington, C3 Bar and Truffles.

Guest Tips and Itinerary

• Dress comfortably, other than the travel time, we will be outside, walking on uneven terrain. • You may want to bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
• The tour will take place rain or shine. The schedule may be altered in the event of severe weather.

• Guests may either drive themselves or take a bus. Be sure to use the correct code when registering if you plan to take the bus. The buses are NOT air conditioned, but it’s less than a half hour drive. People driving on their own will receive directions to the farm and vineyard in advance.
• Beer and wine will be available for $4 per glass.

• Tentative Itinerary for People Taking the Bus

o 3:45 pm o 4:15 pm o 4:30 pm o 5:45 pm o 6:15 pm o 7:15 pm o 9:15 pm

Check-in Begins (for those taking the bus) Buses Depart City Hall
Guided Tour of Blue Hour Farm
Arrive for Social Hour at Marble Hill Farm Guided Tour of Marble Hill Farm

Dinner at Marble Hill Farm Buses Return to City Hall

• Tentative Itinerary for People Driving on Their Own

4 – 5:30 pm

o 5:15 – 6:15 pm o 6:15 pm
o 7:15 pm

Optional Open House at Blue Hour Farm with a Guided Tour at 4:30 pm
Optional – Social Hour at Marble Hill
Guided Tour of Marble Hill Farm

Dinner at Marble Hill Farm.

 

 

Date: July 09, 2017 4:00 PM-8:30 PM

Location: Marble Hill Farm | 8101 S. Victor Pike, Bloomington, IN 47403 | 812.824.7877

Find it

8101 S. Victor Pike
Bloomington, IN 47403
812.824.7877