Sustainable Durant
DURANT – Isn’t it true that a tomato, a watermelon or any produce tastes better when it’s homegrown? So, if you’re ready to grow your own for personal pleasure or potential profit, you will want to attend Sustainable Durant’s program on “Sustainable Agriculture” on February 9. The program is free and open to the public.
For this program, “home grown” has multiple meanings, including the speakers: Evan and Sarah Rowland, owners of Freedom Acres Farm just east of town and Jeff Roebuck, Project Technician, who oversees the Choctaw Nation Ag Demonstrations, located in Lehigh and Hugo.
Evan grew up in Durant and Sarah in Rock Creek and both attended Oklahoma State University. Before putting down roots, they tested the ground in north Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado before returning to Oklahoma, first in Clarita. Then in 2018, with their two sons and a daughter, they moved back “home” to put down permanent roots in Durant.
Making a living off the land is a learning journey. Evan and Sarah suffered the highs and lows of cattle prices and the ongoing challenges of insects, poor soil and variable weather. Since 2018, they have taken the lessons learned and created a farm that provides a variety of produce – vegetables, eggs, beef and pork – all raised with only natural fertilizers and non-GMO products.
Jeff demonstrates gardening techniques to tribal and community members. Everything from backyard gardening and aquaponics to container gardening. Jeff is a member of the Bryan County Master Gardeners and the Oklahoma/Arkansas Vegetable Association.
You’ll learn how to create a home garden or possible transition a whole farm to sustainable, natural practices that improve the soil and yield the highest quality products.
XM Garden and Bakery of Caddo will also be there offering free seed packets and information about their home grown products. XM Gardens is a local company working to provide heirloom plants and produce to the surrounding community.
Tell a friend, bring a friend! The program will run from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center and Library in Durant.
