Soil & Soul: Our First Gathering at Mallorybrook Farm

Reflections on Rain-, Love-Filled Weekend

They came slowly, like the morning sun rising through the trees. One by one, folks began to arrive at Mallorybrook Farm for our very first Soil & Soul gathering a weekend meant to reconnect us to land, family, food, and one another.

The weekend began with a class on soil health taught by the incredible local farmer Kitty, who reminded us just how alive and sacred the ground beneath our feet really is. From there, we gave tours of the land throughout the day some ventured off into the woods for hikes, others lingered near the garden beds, soaking in the peace of open skies and wide space.

And speaking of peace the rain came. Just a light, passing shower. Just enough to remind us we’re not in control and to let the land speak too. Even then, the view was still stunning. A bit overcast, but still glowing.

We were nourished in every sense of the word. Food came from all around local restaurants, a local baker, and our own resident chef-slash-property manager-slash-everything-else, Xander, who held it down in the kitchen with heart. A local brewing company added their magic to the mix, and every bite, every sip, felt like a celebration.

People showed up from near and far Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia, and other parts of New York. Family and friends came through. Even when we thought no one would come on Sunday, people still arrived—slowly, steadily, beautifully.

Over the course of the weekend, we got our hands deep in the dirt. We prepped garden beds, planted seedlings, cleaned up the greenhouse, and got things in place. Not perfectly but with intention and love. Children played freely, becoming one with the soil in the best way so much so that we had to hose them down the old-school way. It was joyful, messy, and honest.

One of the sweetest surprises? Ending the night with karaoke on the hillside. Singing with the mountains behind us and family all around—there are no words.

This is What We’re Building

This wasn’t just an event. This was a moment. A *movement*. A memory we’ll carry into every seed we plant from here on out. We saw diversity in every form—backgrounds, identities, preferences—and all of it was welcome, all of it was beautiful.

Our cups are full. The land was loved. And we’re just getting started.

🌾 Want to Join the Next One?

We’re planning more weekends like this—more Soil & Soul, more connection, more community rooted in purpose.

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