Sweet Stories 2025

The sweetest story I can recollect from the 2025 season isn’t actually a single moment, but rather, a collection of interactions that in totality, result in something pretty dang sweet. I call these interactions Nature Snacks. They are little bite sized glimpses of nature happening all around us. They’ve been glimpses of hawks and owls perched surveying for prey, mowers followed by opportunistic swallows nipping displaced insects, quails fluttering to safety as I walk to lunch, humming birds becoming commonplace, dragonflies hunting bees and wasps, Kites hovering, Kestrels, and even turkey vultures sunbathing with stretched wings.

An axiom in the regenerative agriculture lexicon is “life begets life”. From the micro to the macro, it is the regen farmer’s task to set forth and deploy systems of life among their landscapes. The hope being: when life begets life, food just happens. At the ranch this year, it seems life is living more than ever.
~Tyler Stowers, Farm Operations Manager

Several weeks ago I experienced an exciting and new phenomenon on the farm. A Red-Tailed hawk swooped down low and circled a panicked ground squirrel scrambling for safety. The chase only lasted mere seconds before the hawk swiftly landed on the squirrel and secured its supper. The hawk stayed for quite some time on the ground, waiting and on alert. All of a sudden another Red Tail swooped in and landed in front of its counterpart, like a hungry dinner guest ready to share a meal.
Witnessing an event like this is not only wildly cool, but affirming and promising. It signifies that the measures the Soil Born staff are taking to help relieve produce destruction from one of our greatest farm pests is working. Constructing hawk poles and building wildlife habitat with the Oak and Elderberry Forest all contribute. Organic, Regenerative Ag for the win!
~Emily Hain, Greenhouse & Fruit Tree Nursery Manager

Once a month, I lead a tour of the farm on Saturdays for the visiting public. This opportunity to present Soil Born Farm’s stewardship vision and regenerative farm and garden practices is one of my very favorite things to do. Without fail, every one of these walks unveils a variety of beautiful and completely unexpected wonders. Recently, on a walk this fall, I stopped the group to help draw their attention to a particular bird call. My question to the group, “Do any of you know what bird that is?” No one answered. As I waited for guesses to my question, one of our regular young farm visitors marched up to the group. Per usual, he was out exploring the outer reaches of the farm with his father. Mind you, this is a young boy around the age of 6. Boldly, he pronounces in front of the group, “Mr. Shawn, there is a bald eagle flying over us. Do you see it?” Sure enough, flying overhead was a full-grown majestic adult bald eagle. Just a bomber of a bird, one of a pair that now nests just upriver from the farm. As everyone turned their attention to the eagle, another call from the bird I queried the group about cut through the silence. Without missing a beat, the boy announces, “Do you all hear that? That is a California Quail!”
~Shawn Harrison, Founder & Co-Director

Once a month, I lead a tour of the farm on Saturdays for the visiting public. This opportunity to present Soil Born Farm’s stewardship vision and regenerative farm and garden practices is one of my very favorite things to do. Without fail, every one of these walks unveils a variety of beautiful and completely unexpected wonders. Recently, on a walk this fall, I stopped the group to help draw their attention to a particular bird call. My question to the group, “Do any of you know what bird that is?” No one answered. As I waited for guesses to my question, one of our regular young farm visitors marched up to the group. Per usual, he was out exploring the outer reaches of the farm with his father. Mind you, this is a young boy around the age of 6. Boldly, he pronounces in front of the group, “Mr. Shawn, there is a bald eagle flying over us. Do you see it?” Sure enough, flying overhead was a full-grown majestic adult bald eagle. Just a bomber of a bird, one of a pair that now nests just upriver from the farm. As everyone turned their attention to the eagle, another call from the bird I queried the group about cut through the silence. Without missing a beat, the boy announces, “Do you all hear that? That is a California Quail!”
~Shannon Hardwicke, Education Programs Manager

Soil Born Farms continues to fill my heart and feed my soul. The magic of the American River Ranch multiples each year. This year, I saw my daughter begin to understand the magic of the land and the people who contribute to it and this amazing community. We are fortunate to live close enough to easily bike. I love hearing her in the bike trailer behind me, “We’re going to the farm,” as we are traveling through the neighborhood. Then as we approach the final corner she’ll announce excitedly and almost in a scream, “We’re here! We’re at the farm!”. Once out of the trailer, she knows exactly where she wants to go and what she wants to do. She feels at home. Once the “Farm Baby” strapped to me, now a toddler running around, smelling flowers, talking to the chickens, playing with Farm Dog Hazel, tasting delicious fruits and vegetables and making friends of all ages. I pinch myself daily. I am honored to have a job at a beautiful place with beautiful people and get to witness a beautiful young person grow up connecting to it all.
~Vanessa Forwood, Community Relations and Development Manager

Trying to narrow down all of my experiences, sweet moments, and special connections to one quick blurb is unbelievably difficult! I came to Soil Born Farms as a farmer looking to make a difference in the food available in my local community, particularly from a food access standpoint. This year, we saw the rekindling of a partnership with a particularly vulnerable group of people, Sac State students. We have reconnected with the ASI Food Pantry at Sac State, helping to get extra produce to students who are in need. This connection has been made possible by the care and dedication of people on both ends of the relationship and that is truly inspiring to me, Hilary making sure that when there was extra produce that wasn’t going to make it to a customer, the message was sent; on the ASI side, Ryan Choi and Jane Nguyen always making sure that they, or a volunteer, could make it to the farm the next day to pick up the produce. I was invited to be a part of the ASI Food Pantry Advisory Committee where I got to see firsthand the appreciation and impact that we made in partnering with them, especially in such a tumultuous year for food banks and nutrition assistance. This is exactly what brought me to farming and continues to rekindle my passion for growing good food in a community that deserves to eat well.
~Thomas Lyons, Farmer Manager

It always brings me joy to find out how much of an impact we have on our interns. One recently informed me they are pursuing their Masters in Regenerative Ag because of their internship here. Interns usually start with a very rudimentary understanding of Regenerative and Organic Ag but through their time here at Soil Born Farms people really take to heart what we have to say, and what we do here. I’m so glad that this Org exists to be a touch point to nature and soil. There are so few opportunities like this out there.
~Stuart Burke-Jones, Gardens & Volunteer Coordinator

This year has been full of small, magical synchronies and joining the team at Soil Born has been one of them. Part of my role as the Community Education Coordinator is to facilitate our Saturday classes. Through that, I’ve gotten to know the community that continues to return to the farm again and again. One moment that stands out is helping organize the silent auction with Miriam, who has been coming to the farm since the very beginning. She generously donated a collection of her paintings. Watching her art be shared with the public felt special, because it mattered to her to have her work seen in this place she loves so much. Though it’s hard to choose just one sweet story. There is the person who comes to nearly every gardening class and always stops by afterward to share how much she learned, or the regular who attends Cliff’s Bird Walks and returns excitedly to tell me what they saw. Seeing people form connections through learning and shared experience has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.
~Amanda Wong, Community Education Coordinator / Executive Assistant

The other day while contemplating a possible antidote for the harshness and ever widening division in our country, I heard that the publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary have chosen the new word of the year. It’s rage bait. This might seem like a strange way to start a sweet story but stay with me. Every Saturday, I experience a wide variety of people that visit Soil Born Farms. From our regulars who pick up farm fresh produce to the families that meet up to enjoy a delicious brunch and spend a little time in nature at the farm. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “This is my happy place”, “I love coming here”, “Soil Born is magic”, “Everyone is so kind” and “This place is a treasure for our community”. It warms my heart that our collaborative efforts to create a gathering place for true community to flourish is happening alongside all of the other good work we are doing. Many smart people that I listen to suggest that one antidote to heal the current problems we face is human connection and community. It starts with the simple things at the local level. Getting to know our neighbors, improving our schools, taking care of those in need and making a difference in meaningful ways that only we can do. Let’s counter the idea of rage bait with the idea of joy bait by keeping our eyes and hearts open as we cultivate more joy for ourselves and each other on a daily basis. Maybe this will make the world a sweeter place for all.
~Janet Zeller, Founder & Co-Director

As the season changes, so does the energy in our kitchen, with new faces joining our teen empowerment program. Each year, I’m fortunate to mentor a fresh group of teens, coaching them through their first job experiences — learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, customer service and more. Watching them grow, not just in skills, but as individuals, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. These young people are some of the most authentic, intelligent, resilient, and open hearted individuals I’ve worked with. They support each other, teach one another, and create a sense of community that gives me hope for the future. Some move on to new job adventures, using the skills and confidence they gained here. Others head off to college, but the impact they leave behind is lasting. When they come back — often just to reconnect with one another — it reminds me that what we built here mattered, and that the relationships and lessons formed in this kitchen continue long after their time here ends. I’m so grateful for each teen who brings their heart, energy, and individuality into the Farmhouse Kitchen.
~Gina Marraccini, Chef Educator

I have the awesome job of getting to work with students of all ages that visit the farm on their field trips. For the past two fall seasons, we’ve shown students how to harvest olives from our trees so that we can press them, make olive oil, and sell them at our market place to raise scholarships for the following year’s field trips and camps. Recently, we had a group of high school students come to the farm with their agriculture class to help with the olive harvest. They wanted to pick as many olives as they could. While harvesting, I overheard a student next to me telling his friend, “If we could come more often, our little Soil Born Farms would get to harvest more olives.” It was such an endearing way for him to refer to the farm as well as noticing that the students can attend often enough to where they feel like they are not just connected to the farm, but like the farm is theirs. The farm is able to adopt a place based education allowing students that attend on multiple field trips and classes to understand the connection between the farm and their community, their culture and the land, and fostering a sense of stewardship for their environment. From preschoolers being excited to learn about flowers and chickens, to middle schoolers overjoyed from catching tadpoles at the creek, getting to experience these interactions makes me so grateful to work in such an awesome environment.
~Kianni Ledezma, Youth Educator

Beginning my job at Soil Born is a sweet story in itself— I have always been passionate about environmental change and protecting nature— and once I started, I knew it was the perfect job for me. Good food, beautiful community and nature, all while meeting amazing people, making connections, learning important job skills, and gaining more financial independence all reaffirmed my passion, values, and goals when I started working here. However, I also started learning about the importance of workplace culture. One day at work, I was having a tough day (for unrelated reasons), which was further aggravated by a sensory trigger of mine that made me have a strong emotional response. Before it worsened, my amazing youth mentor Nolan quickly realized that I was struggling and needed time to reset. He quickly and calmly led me to a safe space where I could be alone to work through my difficult emotions, and within minutes, I was calm and ready to return to work. What’s also amazing is that my fellow teen coworkers were receptive and sensitive– they knew I had had a tough time– and so they followed up with me periodically by asking questions, seeing if I was okay and needed anything. This strong show of support and compassion from my fellow coworkers, adult and teen alike, inspired gratitude within me and made me see the importance of compassion in workplace culture. Thank you, Soil Born, for showing me that difference.
~Ellery, Teen Crew

It has been such a joy to work on the Youth Education Team this past year. My favorite part of my job is interacting with students and witnessing the world through their eyes. During a winter field trip, we were learning about decomposition and compost. As we were searching for compost critters, I heard a shriek from some students. They had found a cockroach! Eek! I came over and listened to some of the students who were absolutely disgusted. Some of them were running away in fear. However, one of the students was delighted! She picked up the cockroach with a stick and said “he is family.” She carefully placed the cockroach back in the compost pile and with a huge smile said “now I have a little compost family!” That comment reassured me that I was working in the right place. Every day the students teach me to remain curious and compassionate. Soil Born is an environment, a home, where students can cultivate a personal relationship with the land. They are excited about all the creatures, big and small, that live here. In our field trip safety rules, we always remind the students to “Respect all living things.” And yes, that means even the cockroaches.
~Chloe Harmon, Youth Educator

I was heading through the gravelly parking lot relishing in the crunch sound my boots made as they stomped toward the kitchen to pick up the chalkboard signs for the Produce Stand. A mature-aged lady walking with a cane, an inquiring expression gracing her countenance.”Can I help you?”, tumbled from my mouth. She asked where to check in for classes. As I gestured toward the Welcome Tent she continued to explain in a voice increasingly choked with emotion that she had not walked on her own in over a year. That she hadn’t been able to visit Soil Born for longer than that, and was so happy, right now, at this moment. I walked with her part way, while congratulating her on her journey back to the farm, back to walking when she thought she may never again.
~Hilary, Farmer

There was a morning last March chilly enough to make the patchwork band of volunteers gathered under the mulberry canopy question their choice to brave the outdoors. Still, they stayed. That’s something I’ve learned to appreciate about this place, the land draws people of all sorts to it and brings out the best in us.

By midmorning, all the saplings were tucked into mulch. The orchard looked a little unruly in scattered wood chips and pasture grass scruffs, and so did our volunteer farmers. That’s the joy of it. Things here aren’t perfect; they’re tended. And when people care for this land together, both are regenerated.
~Liz Steiner, Farmer and Orchardist

This year, a meaningful moment came during our Spring Ritual meeting at the farm, when we had a special bird walk for staff. Our knowledgeable, upbeat birder, Cliff Hawley, led the walk that afternoon, guiding us through our fields. He was genuinely enthusiastic about every detail, pointing out the simple things that made even the simplest sightings feel worth noticing: finches perched on the T-posts, the different colors that male and female show off, shifts in birdsong, and small movements that can go unnoticed. I felt a sense of excitement and connection. Sharing that moment with my team, while learning, laughing, and simply noticing, made the moment even more special. I left feeling grounded, more connected to the farm and my co-workers, and deeply grateful for the simple wonder and wild beauty woven into the routines of our workdays and the small things happening around us that are easy to overlook. I now find myself truly enjoying birds more. I love spotting and listening for them, and appreciating how much life is happening around the farm every day.
~Michelle Sikora, Nutrition Coordinator

One of the things I love to do each day is to find “my friend for the day” and take a photo, of my new found critter friend, to send to my spouse. What started out as a cute way to connect with family during our busy work week became an integral part of my day and often by happenstance. Soil Born Farm is teeming with life from the smallest insects in our compost piles to the majestic Great Blue Heron, that graces our farm fields and hunts in the rushes of Cordova Creek. In fact, the search for “my friend for the day” has become infectious. Many of the students I come in contact with, whether through my homeschool classes, leading field trips, or teaching Just for Kids classes on Saturdays. They all know of my passion and are also keeping their eyes out for a rendezvous with a new friend– two, four, six, or eight legged. Recently, while on a field trip I had the feeling to look up–a sixth sense if you will. There flying over us was a bald eagle. Wow! Although my phone did not come out to capture the moment for prosperity, on that day a core memory was built for myself and the students who were beyond excited to see their new friend for the day.
~Amy Tackett, Youth Educator

The American River Ranch is a magical and beautiful area. From the vast wildlife and ancient Oak trees it brings me so much joy to give back to the land and community in any way. I’ve had multiple experiences on the farm and on the parkway that make me stop and take in the experience. There are a couple resident Great Blue Herons that will hang out in fields from time to time. Mainly moseying around then flying a few yards to mosey around some more. Our ground squirrels here on the farm are a constant issue as they have built a burrow system that seems to be an underground fortress. I was heading out to the field one early morning and saw one of the biggest Herons I had seen yet. It was standing tall and extremely still. It flashed its beak into the ground, hunting ground squirrels. It wrapped the squirrel in its talons and opened its wings as if to say, “Yeah, I got one”. The raptors act the same once they have their prey on the ground. This action was always foreign to me, not knowing exactly what it meant. It’s called “mantling”. They are simply protecting their hard earned catch from other predators. Now when any hawk or heron even egrets are mantling I know they are eating well. Encounters like these continually renew my passion for the farm. They allow me to witness firsthand how vibrant, resilient, and interconnected these ecosystems are as they evolve and thrive over time.
~Tom Efstratis, Farmer, Account Manager & Cook

As a lover of food, it’s not surprising that my sweet story would be about lunch time. This particular day, I was lucky enough to get to lunch with the Youth Education team. We were having a nice time catching up and talking about weekend plans. Kennedy, one of our all star Youth Educators, suggested that we make a plan to go line dancing sometime in the near future. That raised the question, ‘How does one line dance?’ Kennedy threw on some music and right then and there gave us all a crash course on line dancing. We all had a blast! There were giggles and screeching and not a single face without a smile on it. Kianni, another awesome Youth Educator, jumped in and showed us another style of line dance too! It’s moments like this where we can come together, to learn and laugh, that really makes this organization what it is.
~Mary Diaz, Prep Cook & Operations Assistant

The past few months I’ve been at Soil Born have truly been packed with sweet moments. Working on the Youth Education Team means there is never a dull moment! But that’s part of the reason I love it so much. Most of my days are spent on field trips, leading students around the farm and encouraging them to try some of the seasonal fruits and veggies we have growing. One moment in particular really stands out. It happened to be the first time I led a farm tour on my own after a couple weeks of observing, so I was a little more nervous than usual. As we meandered through the rows of kale, lettuce, bok choy, and more, I paused to introduce the beautiful and vibrant Red Curly Kale. I’ve noticed that kale can be a polarizing veggie for young learners, as it can be bitter and tough to chew. But that’s why we practice the rule, ‘Don’t Yuck My Yum!’ This time, one student just kept coming back for more kale pieces, he seemed to absolutely love it! His teacher came up to me with a huge grin and tears in her eyes, and said she’s never seen him eat a vegetable before. I handed him a whole leaf to carry through the farm tour and he just munched on it as we walked. It means so much to me everyday to connect youth in our community to the power of growing your own food, but some days – like this one – revitalize my passion for education and remind me that I’m on the right path.
~Abbey Lee, Youth Education Apprentice

When I got the opportunity to play some music, I decided to put on my favorite band. Mace came out of the cooler and when he heard the song that was playing he asked “Is this the Kimberly Trip?” I was so excited to find out someone else liked them. He told me the story of how they played at his wedding and we talked about their music. Later in the week, he told me more information about them because he knew more about the band than I did. I only heard about them through a record shop. I’ll never forget this because he was the first person to understand why I like their music so much. I was so excited to find another fan. Mace also gave me music recommendations based on the songs I listened to, which I’m grateful for.
~Kade Brainard, Administrative Assistant

As a newcomer to the farm, I began my role as Greenhouse Assistant this past October, I’ve been warmly welcomed. Our Greenhouse and Fruit Tree Nursery Manager, Emily, has been a wonderful teacher, supporting me as I learn and displaying genuine kindness. Her dedication and attention to detail has in turn further motivated me to make the Greenhouse space as productive as possible. I’ve come to learn that this sense of dedication and willingness to help runs throughout the farm. Our incredible Farm Team has taught me how to properly harvest produce and how to transport seedlings with a paper-pot system, all with patience and good-humor. The Saturday Crew is always ready with an answer to any questions I may have. And every Wednesday, the amazing Greenhouse Volunteer Group shows me how much we can accomplish with just a few hours. Though my time working at the farm has been brief, it has been filled with rewarding days, and I know the new year will bring many more.
~Kylie Dickinson, Greenhouse Assistant

Looking back on this year, there have been so many small but rewarding moments that have affirmed why this work matters. As a Youth Educator at a culturally diverse school, I am constantly interacting with children from many walks of life. For many of those children, our Youth Programs are their very first relationship with the environment. This includes learning to grow their own food, touching the soil, and realizing their place within it. One day, a student said, “I want to be a garden teacher just like you,” this affirmed why representation is so important. When children see someone who looks like them doing meaningful work, they begin to see themselves too. At Soil Born, we are rooted in creating inclusive spaces where youth feel seen and empowered to care not just for their communities but for the environment that surrounds them. We often take for granted the power we carry, just by being who we are, and we never know which small interaction will plant a seed that inspires a child. If they can see it, they can be it, and that is where the lasting work begins.
~Kennedy Echols, Youth Educator

Since I started working on the farm a little over two years ago, I’ve been working on befriending the farm cat, Luna, who lives in the barn. Earlier this year, I got to the point with her where I could approach without her skittering off. Now, I can walk up and pet her whenever. I think this is an excellent illustration of the importance of investing time and energy into the things we value, and how those investments can pay off in spades when we commit.
~Alex Hopkins, Admin & Operations Assistant

As I walk through the gate to Soil Born Farms, I feel like I’m entering a different world within Sacramento. I witness all the work that happens from seeding to seedling, planting and cultivating to harvesting and serving food on the plate. It is honest work and a true blessing to the soul, connecting hands, land, and purpose. I’m so grateful to be part of something that helps deliver real food to someone’s plate and brings nourishment beyond just hunger. I work closely with customers, and their appreciation is felt in every smile and kind word they share. They genuinely love the farm and recognize the heart, effort, and care behind everything it does. Their wishes remind me that this work reaches far beyond the fields, IT TOUCHES LIFE. Seeing people value honest agriculture makes each day meaningful. It makes me believe that when food is grown with purpose, gratitude grows just as strong.
~Shobha Giri-Thomas, Saturday Crew

know where I can relax and enjoy myself doing a task. I feel appreciated there, my farmhouse kitchen team makes me feel included and like I have a place there. I never feel like I’m not loved, or that I’m just there to get a paycheck. Gina and Mary make me feel loved and included. Tom makes me feel relatable and appreciated. Michelle is always there to support me. And the teens are always happy to have me there. The kitchen as a whole has given me an opportunity and reason to get up every morning and pursue my goals. There I am building myself as a person. A person to better serve this world and my future. And it’s a place that I can call home.
~Joey Campos, Jr. Chef

Seeing the farm was a breath of fresh air. I returned after a couple years working with the State. It was the best decision I have ever made, almost as if I never really left. Coming back to the farm and working with such wonderful people made me feel whole again. Having the chance to come back and work for the farm to provide a helping hand – whether in the kitchen, in the garden, or during the Marketplace – was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. I was back working outside and it felt like I was home again. I’m eternally grateful for Soil Born.
~Lizzy Aguilar, Microbusiness Assistant (culinary, herbs, flowers and graphics)