Around the Bend Farms:

Growing food, educating and innovating, building community. These are the core values of Braided Roots Urban Farm, an area tucked away in the eclectic neighborhood of Deschutes River Woods where something pretty amazing is happening on only an acre of land. The farmers are not just cultivating locally grown produce, they are also transforming what it means to grow food and community in Central Oregon.

This small but promising operation functions under the umbrella of Around the Bend Farms, an initiative that began back in 2015. What started as a modest hydroponic lettuce project based out of the Giving Plate has since grown into a larger mission-driven nonprofit. At the center of this growth are co-founders Ben Marsh, Chris Fasan, and Makena Whitaker. These visionaries see agriculture not as “getting somewhere” or “marketing a product,” but as a bridge to build community, sustainability, and wellness.

I visited the farm in late March, when the prep work was just getting started. Josh Lesko, the farm manager, walked me through the early efforts for spring planting.

“We’re trying to show what’s possible on a small piece of land,” Lesko explained. “It’s not just about feeding people — it’s about connecting them.”

The connection theme seems to be a thread woven through every aspect of Around the Bend. Entirely grant and donation funded, it has drawn support from numerous local businesses and organizations. These partners strongly believe in the farm’s mission. One of the farm’s strongest relationships has developed with the people of Warm Springs. A strong emphasis is placed on honoring the Indigenous land on which the farms operate. They reinforce that sustainable agriculture must be grounded in respect for history, culture, and the stewardship of the original peoples of this region. Not only do the farmers provide food, but they also build trust and mutual support through collaborative efforts, for example with the recent farm-to-table fundraiser dinner that helped raise awareness and funds.

While the team grows a diverse mix of vegetables and experiments a bit, the choices are always guided by what the community actually wants to eat. Carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce tend to thrive in Central Oregon’s climate and are consistent favorites. Other crops, like green beans, have been more hit or miss. This season they’re exploring tomatoes, garlic, onions, and maybe even corn. Johnny’s Seeds, one of my own favorite resources, is one of their go-to suppliers. If you’ve ever seen Johnny’s iconic, full-color catalog, you know it’s basically a Christmas Wishbook for plant lovers!

Produce from the farm is distributed primarily through the VeggieRx program, a free food initiative that provides fresh, healthy items for those experiencing food insecurity or diagnosed with diet-modifiable diseases. This produce prescription program, operated by the HDFFA (High Desert Food and Farm Alliance), began in Oregon, and is gaining traction across the state and hopefully throughout the country.

Like most of us who attempt to grow in the High Desert, the team faces the usual set of challenges: unpredictable weather, a short growing season, voles and those pesky deer that are so prevalent in DRW. Their creative responses include experimenting with natural pest deterrents like using diatomaceous earth and even building owl nests to help with rodent control. A local fencing company donated the material to build a fence high enough to keep out the deer.

Their growing practices emphasize sustainability. No pesticides are used, and much of the farm’s methodology includes greenhouse propagation, large mounds to plant potatoes, and transforming food waste into carefully managed compost piles. Field prep typically begins in late March, and their cyclical approach reflects the understanding of the often-contrary climate in Central Oregon.

Lesko, the farm manager, offers a bit of heartfelt advice for locals who might want to start growing their own food. He says, “Be willing to fail and keep trying. Overplant, take risks. You get what you put into your garden. Tuck them in at night. Have a personal connection.” He often uses social media for ideas and as a tool for engagement and education. From seed starting tips and troubleshooting garden issues to delicious recipes, even a platform like Tik Tok can share knowledge and the fun and the challenges of local food growing.

Education is another key piece of the puzzle. Around the Bend also hopes to establish stronger partnerships with local schools, including Cascades Academy, Central Oregon Community College, and OSU-Cascades. The goal is to instill the value of farming, sustainability, and food justice in future generations. The team recently leased a new four-acre property in Madras which presents another opportunity for both growing and teaching.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the operation. With five to six regulars and another 15 to 20 drop-ins who help when they can, the farm can always use extra sets of hands. There’s an open application to volunteer online, and newcomers are always welcome. Whether it’s turning compost piles or harvesting carrots, there’s a role for anyone willing to get their hands dirty and learn some new skills.

Another hope for Braided Roots Urban Farm is to establish a small distribution option right in Deschutes River Woods for local neighbors to purchase directly. There’s something deeply satisfying about eating vegetables that were grown just down the road and even more fulfilling when you know the people who grew them. Because I live right around the corner from the farm, I’m definitely looking forward to this one!

In so many ways, Around the Bend Farms is proof of what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision. While a small plot of land can’t feed an entire population, what it can do is far more profound—it can inspire, foster education, and promote environmental stewardship. These are exactly the kinds of farms we need more of in Central Oregon and beyond. They remind us that real change starts with soil, sweat, and a deep belief in the power of community. The more successful farms we have like this, the better off the world will be. Let’s all get outside and volunteer!

This article appears in Source Weekly May 1st, 2025.