Welcome to the Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm!
Located in New Portland, Maine, at the foot of the Bigelow Mountain Range in western, Maine, Runamuk Acres is a diversified farm employing methods of regenerative agriculture. Stewarded by conservationist Samantha Burns, with help from her son, BraeTek, Runamuk produces mixed vegetables, fresh eggs, and pastured lamb.
At Runamuk Acres, we believe that by fostering the health and well-being of these keystone species allows for the development of a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem─a system which coexists in harmony with its larger ecosystem and ecoregion. Through conservation agriculture, Runamuk demonstrates that we are able to provide a benefit to the farm’s entire ecosystem, as well as it’s farmer.
Our Mission
to protect wildlife through the conservation of beneficial insects and soil
microbial life, providing an ecological and financial benefit to the entire
community, and the community includes the soil, water, fauna and flora,
as well as the people.
Connection to Nature
Committed to helping people build deeper relationships with nature, the Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm seeks to foster that connection to nature, not only for the benefit of humanity, but also for the benefit of the Earth we have pledged ourselves to.
Most Americans spend more than 10 hours a day staring at a screen, according to a 2016 Nielsen Total Audience Report. Our increased reliance on technology, combined with a global trend toward urban living, means many of us are spending ever less time outdoors─even as scientists compile evidence of the value of getting out into the natural world. Even though the brain is hard-wired to function in natural surroundings, our daily “screen-time” use continues to increase. We are becoming an indoor society, and disconnecting from nature.
Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Spending time in nature is good for us! For our children’s development, our overall health and well-being, the vitality of our communities, and for economic sectors. When people experience and connect with nature they are also more likely to act in ways that benefit the Earth.
To promote that connection to nature, Runamuk offers the public access to our farm and conservation lands, with an easy 1-mile trail loop open to hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, birdwatching and more. Visitors are invited to the farm for self-guided tours, picnics, camp at our remote campsite, or book a stay in our guest room and get a farm-fresh breakfast!
Through the farm’s CSA program, local subscribers learn more about nature’s role in the production of food with our weekly email updates. Customers to the farmstand gain a greater understanding of the food they take home, and what it took to provide it. While, our farm-blog shares the trials and tribulations of a life lived in close connection to nature for all to read and learn from.
Please stay in touch with us by subscribing to the Runamuk blog! OR: find @runamukacres on social media for a glimpse at the day-to-day workings of this small, family farm!
