Marc McKerracher and Ruth Gatzke are the latest recipients of the Pelham Beautification Committee’s Thank You initiative for their sustainable farming practices and community giving.  Marc and Ruth have been growing organic fruit and vegetables for over eight years on their farm at 219 Canboro Road. Ruth’s parents, Alfred and Katherine Gatzke, started farming the 15-acre fruit farm in 1964.  Ruth noted, ‘With the conversion to organic farming all produce is grown naturally with the emphasis on sustainable farming practices using our own powerful biodynamic soil mix.” Marc and Ruth have obtained their organic certification as well as the Demeter’s biodynamic designation.  Local and international co-op students and interns receive valuable first hand experience as they work the farm while learning about the complexities of putting back into the soil for future high producing crops.  Ruth explains, “A mobile chicken coop is moved to various locations throughout the farm, allowing the chickens to eat and fertilize as they go, which is another concept of organic farming.”

Pelham Cares is a recipient of the Marc and Ruth’s bounty.  Ruth explains, “We have community sponsors who make donations allowing for an assortment of fresh organic produce for Pelham Cares.”

Congratulations to Marc and Ruth for their sustainable farming and community giving initiatives.  Their farm is truly a Pelham gem!  Readers are reminded that 2022 is the Year of the Garden.  If you see a particular garden deserving recognition we would be interested in hearing from you.  Happy gardening!

The Pelham Beautification Committee is an advisory committee to Pelham Council.  The committee seeks to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement.  The monthly ‘Thank You’ card initiative is one of the Committee’s efforts to inspire the Town’s businesses, organizations and residents to exemplify ideals defined in the Beautification Committee’s Terms of Reference, available at www.Pelham.ca

The Pelham Beautification Committee will name a recipient each month.  Residents are encouraged to submit potential recipient recommendations to the Pelham Beautification Committee at beautification@pelham.ca