How three local farms are giving back

Cultivating community

Story by Sheila Paz + photography by Mike Ritterbeck

Whippoorwill Farms, Morning Glory Homestead and Marshview Community Organic Farm are perfect examples of sustainable practices and educational outreach, demonstrating their goals reach far beyond growing crops.

Whippoorwill Farms: A story of regeneration

Whippoorwill Farms in Ridgeland is the creation of neighbors Marissa Paykos and James Young, who discovered a shared passion for sustainability and giving back to the earth. What began as a modest two-acre plot in 2017 to sustain their own needs has blossomed into a thriving 40-acre regenerative farm, with an additional 10 acres leased to enhance their commitment to ecological restoration. The farm turned degraded land into a flourishing ecosystem that respects native species and natural landscapes, avoiding harmful practices such as chemical use, tilling and deforestation.

Central to their ethos is community support, highlighted by a “pay what you can” stand that offers fresh produce and meats to locals, addressing food accessibility and promoting inclusivity. This initiative sprang from an awareness of the transportation challenges and food insecurity faced by many in the surrounding areas.

Moreover, Whippoorwill Farms extends its community involvement through the Lowcountry Farm Box, a subscription service that supplies residents with fresh, locally sourced food. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the farm offers overnight stays, camping opportunities, guided tours and a presence at local farmers markets.

For more details or to plan your visit, check out the website at whipporwillfarmssc.com, and consider signing up for the Lowcountry Farm Box at lowcountryfarmbox.com.

Interested in regenerative farming? Join Marissa Paykos, the visionary force behind Whippoorwill Farms, for an enlightening farm tour. Learn more at whippoorwillfarmssc.com or by calling 843-473-5231.

In-season produce

• Lettuce
• Collard greens
• Onions
• Spinach 
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Radishes

Morning Glory Homestead: From family land to flourishing farm

Morning Glory Homestead began as a modest family endeavor on a 12.4-acre plot owned by Tony and Belinda Jones, descendants of a long line of skilled gardeners. Initially created to sustain their family of seven, the homestead quickly evolved into a more structured farming operation. Inspired by the regenerative agricultural techniques of Dr. George Washington Carver, the Joneses implemented crop rotation to preserve soil nutrients and enhance yield.

As the Jones children became known for winning local agricultural competitions with their tomatoes and melons, sales of their produce and eggs at nearby farmers markets continued to grow. Motivated by their initial success, Tony and Belinda took agricultural workshops to learn how to transition their homestead into an officially recognized farm, a goal they achieved in 2015.

Today Morning Glory Homestead is a bustling farm that raises chickens, turkeys, geese, hogs and occasionally goats. The Joneses have also mastered beekeeping, offering fresh raw honey. For more information, visit morninggloryhomestead.com. Produce orders can be picked up at the farm or delivered.

Morning Glory Homestead, located on St. Helena Island, is a quaint farm operated by Tony and Belinda Jones. The couple provides a variety of educational experiences, including classes, guided farm tours and interactive workshops. They also host special events specifically designed for children eager to explore the world of gardening and farming.

In-season produce

• Tomatoes
• Okra
• Green beans
• Squash
• Salad greens
• Collard greens
• Cabbage
• Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Peas
• Strawberries

Marshview Community Organic Farm: Cultivating knowledge and nourishment

Marshview Community Organic Farm has been a cornerstone of St. Helena Island since 2007, evolving from a traditional farm that fed generations of families to a vibrant community hub that offers both sustenance and educational opportunities to local youth.

Sara’ Reynolds Green and Bill Green, married in 2009, are committed to educating children between the ages of 8 and 18, using a hands-on approach to farming to instill practical skills, career readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. The farm is a classroom where students spend their after-school hours and weekends mastering the art of agriculture — from sowing seeds to managing crops and gardens.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, students’ harvests became craft dishes at Bill’s restaurant, The Gullah Grub. The pandemic led to the restaurant’s closure, but the Greens adapted by launching the Homecooked Meal Program, which uses farm-grown produce to prepare and distribute meals to local families. The new Gullah Cooking School furthers their educational outreach, training aspiring young chefs and farmers. Combined, these programs have delivered over 50,000 meals since 2020.

Marshview is not only St. Helena Island’s first certified organic farm but also a nonprofit, offering six programs that teach organic farming, healthy eating, Gullah culture and the importance of community service. For further information about Marshview and its initiatives, or to connect with the community, visit its Facebook page.

Marshview Community Organic Farm is a vibrant five-acre nonprofit located on St. Helena Island. The farm dedicates itself to educating young Lowcountry farmers in sustainable agriculture, seasonal cooking, planting and eating. 

Produce grown

• Squash
• Collard greens
• Cabbage
• Okra
• Kale
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Peppers
• Plums
• Peaches
• Blueberries