“The soil is our external metabolism. It must be free of herbicides and pesticides, or the body cannot heal” - Dr. Max Gerson
MEET SHANON & MICHAEL
Before we dive into this year's Float For A Cause Recipient, Hillview Farms, watch this short 3-minute video on soil health, carbon farming, regenerative organic farming, and how what Hillview Farms is practicing is literally healing the earth!
Inspiring and fascinating right? The way we grow our food not only fuels us, but it literally fuels the earth!
What is float for a cause?
Float for a cause is an annual campaign we at Capitol Floats do to support a local organization that’s participating in leaving this world better than we found it.
For the entire month of August, when you purchase a discounted float, discounted float & sauna package, or gift card - 15% of that purchase goes directly to Hillview Farms.
Our goal this year is to raise one thousand dollars! In addition to the money, we’ll be gifting the entire farm floats so they all have a chance to relax - after all, farmers are some of the hardest working people on earth, and we wanna make sure they get a chance to recharge in the tank too!
Why Hillview Farms?
This year, it was an absolute no-brainer on who to choose for float for a cause.
Local farmers, healthy soil, and organic produce are, in my opinion, the #1 most important thing that sustains us. The work that Shanon and Michael are doing to put rich, healthy, and high-quality produce into Placer county and beyond is inspiring.
Who is Hillview Farms and what do they stand for?
Hillview Farms is a husband and wife owned and operated small farm nestled in the foothills of Auburn on a 3-acre property. Shanon and Michael focus on growing vegetables for 3 important reasons:
To bring the community together through the appreciation of local food
To leave this land and place we call home better than when we found it
To give anyone and everyone access to organic veggies
About 5 years ago, Shanon and Michael realized they needed to expand their small farm operation. They found a 3-acre property (the now home of Hillview) for sale from a previous farmer and instantly fell in love!
With a lot of bidders with more money coming in trying to purchase the land, the owners of the land knew they wanted to pass the farm torch off to other farmers… and even though Shanon & Michael’s offer was lower than the rest, they were chosen to caretake the land!
They’ve managed to optimize 3 acres of land to produce what 53 acres of land can do! Not only that, they’re dedicated to the “no-till process” which helps keep the health of the soil, the plants, and the animals/insects/bugs in a synergistic way.
Here’s a little more about what they were able to do with the soil and how their process of not using heavy machinery and focusing on the “Living Soil Method” was able to not only produce a healthy yield, but healthy soil:
Here’s an actual photo of the rich, vibrant, and living soil:
This is literal proof that no-till practices are continuing to build a healthy microbial ecosystem beyond the farm's produce and soil.
How can I get even more involved with supporting Hillview Farms in addition to floating this month?
Here’s how to help:
This month when you purchase a Float for A Cause gift card or package, 15% of the proceeds go directly to the farm. A few things your money is going towards are things like: soil, seeds, paying the workers, supporting their dream of creating bird and butterfly sanctuaries, and more. So the more floats or gift cards you buy, the more you’re supporting the farm.
Head over to the Auburn Farmers Market and say hi! Purchase their amazing produce directly from the farmers and workers every Saturday from 7-1 pm. Or, head over to their website and order directly online - click here to check out their website.
Buy gift cards for your friends and family or spread the word by clicking here
Chemical farming is something that wreaks havoc on our bodies, our earth, and our soil. Without healthy soil, healthy food cannot be grown. With big Agriculture using pesticides that are literally killing the soil, it’s important for farmers like Shanon and Michael to practice sustainable farming through no-till, no pesticides, and stewardship of the land.
Resources and ways to learn more about soil health, regenerative farming, and how to make a huge impact on the earth through what you eat:
Buy local (especially from the Farmers Market)
Grow your own food
Choose Organic any and every time you can
Compost
Teach your kids to dig in the dirt! The food of our future starts with them
Visit a local farm and learn about where your food comes from
These are just a few good places to start and putting just one of these things into practice can drastically change your health, the health of your community, and the health of our planet.
Feel free to save this blog and visit the resources here anytime! Or, share it with your friends and family!