The vision for the Howland Farm of Virginia is to achieve deep sustainability through multiple, independent themes within the confines of the property.

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1. Most of the open 40 acres has been in hay production, although 2 acres was parted off in 2019, 2000, and 2021 for our first season of industrial (CBD) hemp production.  In 2022, we dedicated most of our hayfield area to seed & fiber industrial hemp, in collaboration with Pure Shenandoah.  Our new barn (with attached greenhouse), was completed in November 2019 and is, primarily, dedicated to hemp operations.

2. Adjacent to either side of Smith Creek (which runs through the middle of the farm), is ten acres of an established Riparian Forest Buffer project, in concert with the USDA and the Virginia Farm Service Agency.  The area is now home to over 3000 new native to Virginia trees and shrubs.  Some of the species, such as paw-paw, will be food bearing.  Six of those acres (which were hay field that we took out of production) have begun turning into wetland - a new ecosystem, for this farm.

3. We have three young apple trees to the right of the gravel road, just before crossing the creek.

4.  Open-air greens for home consumption will be grown near the cabin and on adjacent Fire Hill.

5. In the wooded areas, especially above the cabin, we are planning on interspersing wild native edibles.  This is the survival aspect of the farm.  In addition to the large number of black walnuts, and wild berries, we hope to plant root vegetables, and other native species that require little to no preparation.

6. While the Howland Farm of Virginia does not raise livestock, there is wild protein, in the form of deer, turkey, squirrel, crayfish, and other species that may be carefully harvested, when needed.  At this place, we welcome the company of all wild, and hunt (mostly) with cameras.

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