Update: the farm structure has arrived and is currently growing. We expect the first harvest in early July. Join the Wildsight Elk Valley e-blast for updates and watch Local’s social media for when the first harvest is available.
I want to eat lettuce – Lettuce will be sold at Fernie grocery stores with more variety at Local
I want local lettuce on my menu – Get your resturant on our grow list – Email evergreens@wildsight.ca
I want to see inside – Consider joining us for a volunteer shift to get inside the Farm
I want to volunteer – Join in the fun with a 2-hour volunteer shift- email evergreens@wildsight.ca
I want to donate – Your support will help the farm thrive – Donate here
I want to join – Get your lifetime Wildsight membership to show your support – Join here
I want leafy greens but can’t afford them – Weekly produce will be available at the Fernie Food Bank in early July.
I want to know more – Get the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast – Sign up here
Evergreens Farm FAQs
Where is Evergreens Farm located? We grow hydroponically in a 10’x50’ custom-built structure located at the Community EcoGarden in Fernie.
When will Evergreens start growing? We are currently growing! It takes 8 weeks to go from seed to harvest. Our first harvest is expected in July.
What is hydroponics? Hydroponic farming happens indoors without soil. The plants absorb nutrients from the water their roots sit in, and energy from full-spectrum LED lights. Hydroponic growing uses 90% less water than conventional modes of agriculture and allows us to grow year-round thanks to the climate-controlled environment
Do you use pesticides? Nope! We are proud to say that we don’t use any form of pesticide or herbicide on our produce. Our indoor controlled environment allows for minimal exposure to pests and outside additives.
Where can I buy your greens? Look for our lettuce at Fernie grocery stores and restaurants. Our flagship store is Local at 632 2nd Ave which will carry a larger variety.
How do I get local lettuce on my menu? If you are a local restaurant looking to add local greens to your menu, please contact us to get on our growing list! Email evergreens@wildsight.ca
Do you use plastic packaging? We use #4 LDPE plastic bags to ensure our leafy greens are fresh and delicious when they get to you. Please reuse this bag and then return it to the depot to be recycled.
What will you grow? We will start by growing multiple varieties of crisp, fresh, local lettuce, including romaine, spring salad mix, and butterleaf. Eventually, we will expand our operations to include herbs, arugula, and dark leafy greens.
How long does it take to grow lettuce? It takes 8 weeks total, from seed to harvest. The seeds stay in our 1st Stage nursery for three weeks while they grow their first true leaves. They are then transplanted into the 2nd stage nursery where they have more space to grow and access light. During the final stage, the plants sit in trays for 3 weeks until they are harvested. We harvest on Wednesdays and deliver on Thursdays, all year long.
Why does local lettuce matter? Local lettuce means less transportation is required compared to bringing lettuce from California or Mexico. It also means creating good local jobs and a building stronger local food system.
How do you grow year-round? Our farmers can control the environment inside our indoor grow area so we’re able to grow, no matter the weather. Snow or shine – we’ll always have fresh greens! The mechanical systems inside our farm enable us to control the temperature, humidity, and airflow within our unit.
Where did you get your farm? Our hydroponic farm was purchased from the Indigenous-owned ColdAcre Food Systems in Whitehorse, Yukon.
How do you give back to the community? A portion of all produce grown is donated to community organizations supporting vulnerable community members. Do you have a non-profit that serves at-risk community members? Please contact us.
How can I learn more? Get the lowdown – Sign up for the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast. Follow Wildsight on Facebook and Instagram. Learn when new leafy greens hit the shelves by following Local on Facebook and Instagram or check out the online store to see what is in stock.
Who runs Evergreens? Evergreens is a social enterprise of the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch. A social enterprise is a business that is operated for the good of the community. We sell a portion of our produce so we are able to donate lettuce to support low income community members. Any profits from the farm will be re-invested into the community to support important projects that strengthen our food system.
Can I volunteer to help? Definitely! Join us for a 2-hour, weekly volunteer shift to help harvest and package the leafy greens. Stay tuned for details about how to sign up for volunteer shifts!
