Meet the Team

THIS IS WHAT AN URBAN FARMER LOOKS LIKE

 
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Molly Jo Stanley - Education Coordinator

What's your favorite thing to do on the farm? 

Simply being at Franklinton Farms brings me such joy.  It is truly a refuge and sanctuary in the city, and it feels like home. Having the opportunity to spend my days sharing the magic and wonder of the Learning Gardens with children and people of all ages is an incredible blessing.  Whether we're picking berries, singing songs, journaling underneath the Maple trees or cooking Collard Greens, I am always filled with gratitude and happiness when I am here.


What's your least favorite thing? 

When I have to thin plants or selectively remove plants (otherwise known as "weeding") -- not because I find the work tedious or grueling, but because it just doesn't feel right!  I am simply in awe of these beings and their ability to come into our urban landscape to create beauty and nourishment, and I intend to do the best I can to steward in more food, medicine and beauty through these spaces.


What veg do you like to eat raw? 

Most of them!  

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If you could fill an entire field of what produce, what would it be? 

I have a great affinity for diversity and companionship, so I can't see myself filling a field with any one kind of produce.  I'd fill all the fields with fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, greens, and medicinal herbs.

When did you start growing veggies?  

The first time I ever planted my own vegetable garden was when I lived in my first apartment as an herbalism student in Arizona.  I rescued containers (drawers, boxes, whatever I could find), and planted them with edible and medicinal plants.

What's something you WANT to learn on the farm?

I want to learn how to bring more health, happiness and prosperity to the incredible, resilient community that is Franklinton, and how to be an ally to the people, plants and soil of this special place.

What's one thing you want people to know about what you do (if they've never done it before)?

I'd love for people to know Dandelions and Chicory and Plantain the way I do -- to see what we've been taught to call "weeds" as powerful plant allies, and welcome members in our gardens.  

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What's your superpower?

I transform scraps into soil! (Composting)

Who's your favorite author / musician / artist?

I don't even know how to begin answering this one.  I love them all.  But Robin Wall Kimmerer (author) is one of my heroes and I can listen to Taj Mahal any day of the week.

Give us a recipe!

Homemade Ranch (Vegan)

  • 1 1/2 cups raw cashew pieces*

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • juice from 1 large lemon

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 cup fresh dill OR 2-3 teaspoons dried dill* (substitute parsley, if preferred)

    Method

    Soak the raw cashew pieces overnight in water (or in hot water for 5-10 minutes). *Can use a blend of equal parts sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds in the instance of cashew allergy/aversion.

    Drain cashews and add to blender. Add the remaining ingredients except the dill, and blend until very smooth.

    Add the dill, and pulse a few times to combine. 

    This will keep for up to a week in the fridge. It will thicken in the fridge, just thin out with water until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

 
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