Ava Gilbert Email & Phone Number

I’m Ava, a sustainable farmer and environmental educator with a passion for fostering healthy relationships with the earth. My mission is to create accessible ways for people to live closely connected to the land, primarily through local agriculture. My goals are to provide sustainable local products, build soils, reduce food and resource waste, increase community connection, increase education on sustainable agriculture, and build a culture of respect for the land we depend on. I am a life-long learner with a growth-mindset. This allows me to be receptive to all different levels of feedback, think critically, and be a resourceful problem-solver. I have five years of experience growing diversified vegetables and flowers. Working on small-scale operations from one to three acres has allowed me to be primarily hands-on in the field. I am proficient with walk-behind and sit tractors, including a variety of implements. I am skilled in irrigation systems from the ditch to the emitter. I am well-versed in low-till methods, holistic pest management, compost systems, and no-spray weed management. I find the most challenging projects to be the most fun! I always tell the team to give me tough jobs.I spent two years at The Farm Collaborative. First as an intern, I was introduced to vegetable growing and permaculture methods. The following season I rented a plot and operated my own farm business. I am proficient with crop planning, CSA models, wholesale contracts, and farmer’s market sales. As a Youth Program Coordinator at Highwater Farm, I gained additional experience incorporating the community in different ways, managing teams in the field, facilitating feedback, and educating on relevant topics. I expanded upon my base knowledge at Modern West Floral and learned more about how to incorporate perennials and animals into the management of a farm system. As I continue to immerse myself in different approaches, I find it incredibly rewarding to be in tune with the land and provide locally grown products. Truly, I am here to take care of people and work in harmony with our native ecosystems. I am currently seeking seasonal work and volunteer opportunities for the winter months.