About

The Farm

Forestdale Farm is a small family farm rooted in Flagstaff, Arizona. We strive to provide our community with high quality produce that is organically, ecologically and sustainably grown. Growing in this space since 2012, we have become well acquainted with the challenging growing conditions and limited resources of an arid, high-altitude region and our farming practices reflect this. As stewards of the land, we value the interconnection between human and non-human, water conservation, biodiversity, healthy soil (and people!) and so much more.

We grow a large variety of vegetables and herbs, raise chickens and rabbits, and sell homemade personal care and household items such as salves and deodorant. Currently we have a farmstand, offer CSA farm shares, sell at the Flagstaff Community Markets, and local restaurants. Programs such as “Friends of the Farmer” and “Purchase Local Arizona” allow us give back to the community through the Flagstaff Family Food Center, Flag Fridges and The Market of Dreams. This allows us to offer any leftover produce so waste is close to zero on the farm. 

Some of our farming practice include…

  • On-site composting, small-scale aquaculture, and cover cropping
  • Water conservation including rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and mulching
  • Bio-intensive planting and crop rotation
  • Hand cultivation and harvesting
  • Pesticide/herbicide free and Integrated Pest Management
  • Antibiotic/hormone free and forage space for poultry
  • Growing heritage food and breeds

The Family

Forestdale Farm is owned and operated by Rylan, Jamie, Arlo and Erez.

Rylan, born and raised in Flagstaff, didn’t grow up on a farm, but he has done plenty of growing. He has worked in Ecuador with nonprofit organizations and on farming in remote communities. He has worked on small, organic farms in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Before starting Forestdale Farm he worked with USGS studying endangered fishes of the Colorado river.

Jamie grew up surrounded by the mono-cultured lands of corn, potatoes and soy in the Midwest and from a young age took an interest in growing food. This interest developed into a journey, taking her to such places as Ecuador, where she completed an internship with an indigenous community and worked with several nonprofit organizations. She worked as a community organizer in Rhode Island and on a small farm in Connecticut. In Flagstaff she previously worked as the Community Agriculture Project Coordinator with Flagstaff Foodlink and has served on the board of directors. She currently works as a registered nurse while studying herbal medicine.

Arlo and Erez, born and raised on the farm, are still a youngsters.  They are quality control experts, taste testers, and take care of many general farm tasks.