South Jersey Tour des Farms


South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
June 2007	Special Edition 2

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (SJRC&D), located in Columbus, New Jersey; was formed in 1974 to address environmental issues in South Jersey. The Council covers 4,710 sq. miles and includes the eleven southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The Council is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and is comprised of a County government and a Soil Conservation District representative from each of the eleven counties. The Council bridges the gap between local resource needs and community development providing a unique partnership between county, local and federal partners.

Please forward this email to all interested parties.

In this Special Editon Issue:
SJRCD Announces their First Annual Tour des Farms

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRC&D), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the special character of South Jersey, is planning its first annual “Tour des Farms” bicycle ride for Saturday, September 8, 2007. Our hope is that the Tour becomes well established as an enjoyable family activity and one that raises public awareness of South Jersey’s agricultural industry and the need to protect and preserve this cherished resource. Proceeds from the Tour will be used to support the SJRC&D Council’s agricultural sustainability programs. To learn more about the South Jersey RC&D Council, visit our Council page.

This year, the Burlington County Board of Freeholders has graciously agreed to partner with us to showcase a number of preserved farm properties throughout the County. We anticipate hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts will pedal their way through Burlington County’s Farm Belt, visiting vegetable farms, nurseries, orchards, a community supported agriculture farm, cranberry farm, and numerous farm markets as they go.

Pedal through the Burlington County Farm Belt

September 8, 2007

Cyclists Pedal through some of New Jersey's most beautiful farmland. Get to know the diversity of Jersey’s agricultural production. Shop for local produce as you ride and we will pick up your purchases and deliver them back to the starting point for you.

Ride options are a 13 mile route; a 26 mile route; and a 50 mile route with stops at a cranberry farm, vegetable farms, orchards, nurseries, an organic farm, and a community supported agriculture farm.

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRC&D), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the resources of South Jersey, is in the process of planning its first annual “Tour des Farms” bicycle ride. This ride is designed to raise awareness and support for the cause of South Jersey’s agricultural lands. Hopefully, the Tours will become well established as an enjoyable family activity with a focus on the uniqueness of South Jersey’s communities. Proceeds from the ride will support SJRC&D resource and conservation programs.

Proceeds from the ride will go to support activities of the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to the protection and preservation of South Jersey’s natural resources.

The Routes

Three routes are available to lead you on a scenic tour of some of South Jersey’s most beautiful and productive farmland. Stop at local farms and get to know the diversity of South jersey’s agricultural production. You can shop for local produce as you ride and we will pick up your purchases and deliver them back to the starting point.

Route Farms

Kumple Farm Horses Homestead Nursery – Homestead Nursery retails trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants. They have been in the nursery business for over 50 years. www.thehomesteadnursery.com/

Budds Bogs – This 5th generation Farm manages 1600 acres of land as part of the watershed to produce 250 acres of cranberries. They are proud members of the Ocean Spray Cooperative.

Greenfield Farm (Kumple Farm Stand) - The Kumple self-service farm stand sells pumpkins, mums, and mixed vegetables. They also grow field crops for the horse industry.

Raymond Hlubik Farm – The Hlubik farm offers all kinds of vegetables, specializing in sweet corn and tomatoes. This
family has farmed at least three generations.
www.hlubikfarms.com/

Strawberry Hill Orchard Strawberry Hill Farm – This orchard sells apples, peaches, plums, pears, and nectarines. It also is a large U Pick farm. www.strawberryhillfarm.org/

Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm – This farm has a large farm stand along with pick your own vegetables, greenhouse produce, and AgriTourism. www.russosorchardlanefarm.com

Fernbrook Farm – This farm boasts a Community Supported Agriculture Program along with a wholesale nursery, and bed and breakfast. www.fernbrookfarmcsa.com/

1895 Organic Farm - This Certified Organic Farm offers a variety of vegetables. They are a member of the Northeast Organic Farm Association.

Russo Tomatoes Scott Good Farm – This grain operation grows over 1000 acres of field corn, soybean, and small grains. Stop by to view the large modern farm equipment.

Mr. McGregors Market – This market sells home grown produce and baked goods.

Think Globally. Eat locally.

Support your local farms!

The Starting Point

Jersey Tour des Farms will begin 8:00 AM on September 8, 2007. Registration will be at The Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum located on Landing Road in Vincentown, New Jersey.

Refreshments will be available from 8:00 — 9:30 AM. Cue sheets will also be provided at registration.

Additionally each route will be marked. Farm Bucks will be distributed during registration. Please check out the displays from folks who love this region. Participants are welcome to begin their ride after completing registration.

Directions to the Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum

Please visit the museum!

Farm Bucks

Each participant will receive
five Farm Bucks at the time of registration. Farm Bucks may be redeemed at all farm stops on the day of the event only.

Registration Fee

Before the event

Single Person : $40
Family Rate:
$60 per Couple and $15 for each additional family member

Day of Event

Single Person : $45
Family Rate:
$70 per Couple and $15 for each additional family member

Registration

Bike on over to www.active.com to register

Please note

You must wear a helmet.

You must be age 12 or older.

You must follow the rules of the road as you share the road with motorists.

NJ Bicycle Laws More

You must sign a release form at sign-in.

You are encouraged to carry water bottle(s).

Rain date: Sunday, September 9 at 8am.

Revisit website or call 609-267-1639 x5

The Event is limited to the first 250 entries.

-- By KP Kilpatrick & Ken Taaffe

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Support the SJRCD endeavor!

Please mail your donation check to:

South Jersey RC&D Council
Columbus USDA Service Center
1971 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road
Columbus, NJ 08022

All donations are tax deductible.
Online donation capability eventually.