Natick Community Organic Farm Rebuilds Barn Two Years After Devastating Fire
The Natick Community Organic Farm is finally ready to rebuild its historic 1815 barn, two years after it was destroyed by a fire in March of 2021. Thanks to an outpouring of community support and donations, the farm was able to meet its fundraising goal of $1.1 million to rebuild the barn. Construction has started, with the new barn being built on the same footprint as the old one and of similar size.
According to the NCOF Communications and Outreach Coordinator Erin O'Brien, the majority of donations received were smaller amounts from individuals, which means that the new barn will be a building put together by the community, for the community. It is heartwarming to see how people came forward with donations, with visitors to the farm showing up regularly to make contributions and share their memories of visiting the farm with their families over the years.
The new barn will feature a couple of floors for storing farm supplies and tools, solar panels, and an attached greenhouse, allowing the farm to expand its seedling operations for a longer organic vegetable and flower growing season. The timber frame for the new barn is being constructed by New Energy Works, with the timbers being milled and nearly completed. The foundation has been curing over the last few weeks, and electrical conduits have been installed in preparation for the frame's arrival on the farm.
The NCOF team, along with Soderhom Custom Builders, is managing the construction of the new barn, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. The new barn is a symbol of the community's resilience and determination to rebuild after a devastating loss. It is also a testament to the power of community support and the importance of preserving local farms, which provide fresh, healthy produce and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
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