The
Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) has begun its farm tours for the spring
season.
The
tours take place 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at its one acre urban
farm located at 389 Massachusetts Ave.
“Our
tours are seasonal from April through October or November each year, depending
on weather conditions,” said Zoe Hollomon, MAP’s enterprise director.
Katie
Pfohl, farm and markets intern and Erin Sharkey, outreach and education
director are the tour guides.
When
giving the tours, Pfohl and Sharkey show off the farm’s urban chickens as well
as a 1,200 gallon rainwater catchment system, a straw bale greenhouse with a
small aquaponics system, home to many largemouth bass.
Another
scaly component of the farm is the 25,000 Tilapia residing in a separate
commercial scale aquaponics system.
The
farm also features a composting system and many inground and raised garden
beds. Three perennial gardens border the farm, said Hollomon.
The
tours also provide opportunities for people to volunteer and join the MAP team.
“Saturdays
from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. are our volunteer days, so many people come for the tour
and learn about us,” said Hollomon. “Some become volunteers.”
Groups
larger than three people can schedule tours on the MAP’s website (www.mass-ave.org) or by phone at 882-5327. By Katie Anderson and Danielle Wayne
