Throughout the recent history at Pilgrim Hot Springs, reaching back over the past 100 years, growing food has been a feature of this beautiful place. In the spring, while other areas nearby are still covered in ice and snow, Pilgrim Hot Springs is early in melting out. Because of the geothermal activity, the ground doesn't freeze at Pilgrim which makes for perfect early planting. Coupled with Alaska's long summer days, plants have ample time to grow and bear fruit.
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This summer we are pleased to introduce Callen Christensen, our fulltime on site farmer at the Pilgrim Hot Springs garden. Callen grew up in Fairbanks and is passionate about nutrition, health, farming/gardening, mycology, and ecology. He runs a wild foods foraging co-op in Fairbanks, started a hydroponics and mushroom farm, is conducting sustainability research on chaga fungus, and is working on forming a food hub in Interior Alaska. ​
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Working with Callen this summer is our Farm Assistant, Otto Heuschele. Otto grew up in Wisconsin and has been gardening and farming his whole life. He brings a wealth of knowledge on equipment operation and maintenance and has played a huge role in making sure our farm equipment is operating as efficiently as possible when it comes to planting and harvesting this season.
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For more information about the Pilgrim Hot Springs garden, or to volunteer, please contact pilgrim@kawerak.org.
