Runamuk’s Mission:
Through regenerative agriculture, Runamuk promotes the well-being of soil microbial life and beneficial insects. By conserving these keystone species, we foster a healthier farm habitat that supports the broader regional ecosystem.
Hi and welcome! My name is Sam(antha) Burns, but most folks call me Farmer Sam.
In 2018, I bought my farm as a beginning farmer through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to building my farm through a soil-first approach and methods of conservation agriculture.
What is Conservation Agriculture?
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a sustainable approach to agricultural production which aims to prevent losses of arable land while regenerating degraded lands. Methods of conservation agriculture protect soil from erosion and degradation, improve its quality and biodiversity, contributing to the preservation of natural resources, water and air, while optimizing yields.
Also known as: regenerative farming, no-till or reduced tillage agriculture, direct seeding, and organic farming.
Methods of Conservation Ag include:
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Cover cropping
- Increased plant diversity
- Integrated livestock systems
- Rotational grazing
- Composting
- Crop rotations
- Integrated pest management
A deep love and affinity for nature drives me to commit to conservation agriculture at Runamuk, along with a sense of moral duty. I believe humanity must learn to coexist with nature—that we must live sustainably upon the planet—to ensure the futures of generations to come. Determined to make a difference, I lead by example, employing methods of conservation agriculture in our farm operations.
My love affair with beekeeping led me to a profound realization: it’s the smallest lifeforms on the planet that have the biggest effect on Earth’s ecosystems. I came to understand that by promoting the well-being of these keystone species, I could provide a benefit to the entire farm habitat, which improves the local ecosystem and the broader regional ecosystems in turn. That’s why our efforts at Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm are focused on soil microbial life and beneficial insects.
Conservation Contract
Back in 2020, I entered 41.47 of Runamuk’s 53 acres into a 50-year conservation contract with the USDA/NRCS. State biologists inspected the habitats on our property and deemed two sites worth protecting.
The first is a tiny, unnamed stream running through a corner of the property. It empties into Gilman Pond, which flows into Gilman Stream—home to a thriving colony of Brook Floater mussels. The Brook Floater is a species of freshwater mussel listed as threatened in Maine and as endangered or threatened in nearly every state where it’s found.
The second site is a grove of young Tamarack (also known as Hackmatack or Northern Larch), which provides critical habitat for turtle nesting, ideal overwintering habitat for myriad native insects—including solitary bees and wasps—and perfect habitat for the common nighthawk, whose populations have been in decline for 20 years.
To help others develop a love for nature and to educate the public about how they too can make an impact where they live, I encourage public use of the conservation lands for recreational purposes. Miles of ATV and walking paths run through the conservation lands, open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, or accessing the ITS trails beyond. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, view wildlife, and connect with nature in this private wildlife preserve. With a remote campsite available, a flock of super-friendly sheep, and an on-site farmstand, Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm welcomes visitors year round.
Stop by the farmstand today to see what in season! Contact Runamuk Acres to reserve our campsite! Follow @maine_homestead_life on Instagram, or subscribe to our farm-blog to support our efforts in conservation agriculture!
