Community
BY JANE TURCHI
Green Gate Farms reimagines farmland preservation in Bastrop Green Gate Farms founders Skip Connett and Erin Flynn established their rst certi ed organic community farm at the historic 1902 Bergstrom farmstead in 2006. Over 150 tiny homes surround Green Gate Farms’ “agrihood” in East Austin. Organic vegeta- bles, herbs and owers are sold at the farm’s red barn on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon. “By combining food and housing, you’re dealing with some of the most essential things that people are seeking and needing,” Flynn said. “It really is a model that people need to know more about.” In 2009, Connett and Flynn purchased 32 acres along the Colorado River northeast of Bastrop o of FM 969. Part of Wilbarger Bend, the property represents the couple’s dream to promote community farming. What to expect The farm’s Bastrop location o ers guided tours and technical training opportunities. Volunteers are welcome by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon. Flynn said Bastrop is one of the few locations in Texas with high-quality soil and water near customers. “What we have in Bastrop is really, really rare,” Flynn said. “There’s so much development going on right now [in Bastrop], but you know, our a ordable housing and food are completely siloed,” Flynn said. “Currently, the way it’s working is that farmers are selling out.”
Esco er culinary school students visit the Green Gate Farm in Bastrop to learn about organic farming.
COURTESY ERIN FLYNN
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156 Howard Lane, Bastrop www.greengatefarms.net
Green Gate Farms co-founder Erin Flynn waters sprouts at the East Austin location.
JANE TURCHI COMMUNITY IMPACT
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