Spring is in the Air: South Bay Farms Open to the Public

Springtime just begs for outdoor field trips. Take advantage of living in the South Bay and Central Coast, with our ready access to freshly grown produce and goods, and head to a local farm. In an effort to connect with the community, many farms and processors are open to the public for tours, "pick-yourself," and shopping.

The annual publication, Country Crossroads, provides an extensive list of places to go and learn about our food. If you don't live in the South Bay or Central Coast, check with your local farm bureau for a listing of farms in your area which are open to the public (search "farm bureaus [name of your state or county]").

If you are also involved in scouting, farm visits can help complete various achievements and electives (http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/cub-scouts.asp).

Below is a brief list of farms in the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. For a complete list, as well as a map, look for Country Crossroads' free publication in local shops, or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the county farm bureau nearest you:

Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
605 Tennant Avenue, Suite H
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

San Benito County Farm Bureau
530 San Benito Street, Suite 201
Hollister, CA 95023

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau
141 Monte Vista Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076

Santa Clara County Members
C. J. Olson Cherries
800-738-2464
348 El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Blossom Hill Certified Farmers' Market
800-806-FARM
Princeton Plaza Mall, rear parking lot, San Jose

The Grass Farm
408-463-0500
602 Palm Avenue, Morgan Hill

Andy's Orchard
408-782-7600
1615 Half Road, Morgan Hill

For more field trip ideas,

check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips page.

Santa Cruz County Members

Rodoni Farms/U Pickem Pumpkins
831-426-6438
Located four miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1

UCSC Farm & Garden
831-459-3240 or 831-459-4140
CASFS 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz

Glaum Egg Ranch
831-688-3898
3100 Valencia Road, Aptos

Roses of Yesterday and Today
831-728-1901
803 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos

Gizdich Ranch
831-722-1056
55 Peckham Road, Watsonville

Douglas-Michael Butterfly Plants
831-726-3626
18201 Murphy Hill Road, Aromas