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Black Hills CSAs

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in local food
image peas

The local food movement is growing across the country including the Black Hills.  People are seeing the benefits of getting their food from a local farmer.  The food is fresher and there is more variety.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is advantageous for both the consumer and the farmer.  Members help sport the farm financially and lessen the risk of farming.  In exchange for your support of the farm you receive part of the crop, usually a weekly box of produce.  This will vary by farm and time of year.

Black Hills CSAs (that I know of)

 

Cycle farms

2012 is the first year for Cycle Farm in Spearfish Valley.  My family has purchased a share and we will be excited to share our story of being a CSA member throughout the growing season.

Bear Butte Gardens

A CSA located near Sturgis.  Their produce is all natural – no chemicals used to grow.  Non-certified Organic, they have started the three year process to become certified.  Visit the Bear Butte Gardens website to learn more.

Battle Creek Gardens

A small farm located near Hermosa SD.  They grow more than 70 varieties of vegetables, melons and herbs.  The are Certified Naturally Grown, which is another way of saying they use all organic practices.   Visit the Battle Creek Gardens website to learn more.

 

Joy Farm

They are offering shares that will include salad greens, herbs carrots, radishes, peas, beans, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, beets, onions and more.  They are located in Farmingdale (which is out by Caputa near Highway 44 – I think).  Visit the Dakota Local Foods network to learn more about Joy Farms.

 

More

I know there are more CSAs in the area, please share in the comments below if you know of any other CSAs in Western South Dakota.

Fresh produce is also available all year long with the Bountiful Basket Co-op.  This program delivers a large amount of produce for a great price.

Red Barn Farmers Market is Spearfish sells raw milk, fresh eggs and local seasonal produce.

 

Where do you get local foods?

 

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Labyrinth in the Black Hills

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in flora and fauna, general, hiking
Labyrinth at Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary in the South Dakota Black Hills

The Black Hills is blessed with an 80-acre ranch that is shared with the public by owner Dave Snyder – for quiet contemplation in nature. The meditative labyrinth above is just one of many spots to get away from busy modern life and just be.

It is called Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, and besides the labyrinth, there is a one mile walking path.  Along the trail there are several benches for meditation or contemplation.  It was founded in the spirit of love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness.  See more pictures here

We were able to visit twice in 2011.  The first time, we were the only ones there and wild flowers were in bloom everywhere.  The Wild Bergamot literally turned some of the hillsides purple.  Our second visit was for church services one Sunday – wow – what a place to celebrate everything that is right with the world.

Pathways is closed during the winter and opens in late spring (open May 15th through October 31st).  Hours are 8am until dusk.  Visit the Pathways website to find when it is open and for directions.  For those of you familiar with the Mickelson Trail the sanctuary is near the Dumont Trailhead.

 

Enjoy this video that show a portion of the area

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The Mountain Trailhead

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in biking, hiking
photo of Mickelson Trail The Mountain Trailhead

The Mountain Trailhead of the Mickelson Trail is between Hill City and Custer near Crazy Horse Monument.  On this portion of the trail you will have views of the monument.  Korczak Ziolkowski started work on Crazy Horse in 1948.image mickelson trail sign at the mountain trailhead

From here it is 10.5 miles north to the Tracy Park Trailhead in Hill City or head 5 miles south to the Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer.  Both places offer many dining and accommodation options.  I always enjoy eating at Alpine Inn in Hill City.  Plus, there are two wineries in the Hill City area:  Prairie Berry and Stone Faces.

The Mickelson Trail is a great way to really enjoy the Black Hills, however, there are other great trails in the area too.  The Centennial Trail begins northeast of Sturgis at Bear Butte and 111-miles later ends in Wind Cave National Park.  The trail cuts through the Fort Meade Recreation Area, Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.

If you plan on taking advantage of some of the Black Hills trails I encourage you to carry Black Hills National Forest Map Pack: Topographic Trail Maps with you all the time.  These maps are water proof and most trails are clearly marked.  Also, a nice guidebook like Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands: A Guide for Hikers, Cross-Country Skiers, & Mountain Bikers makes deciding which trails to explore easier.

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