Powerful without Power - Ironbound Farm and Cider House
Posted on Jul. 23, 2024 / Subscribe 0
The electric company reported about 13,000 customers were without power after thunderstorms and heavy winds ripped through the county, leaving Ironbound Farm without electricity as they prepared to host one of our special signature events on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. From Tuesday night until we got there, the Ironbound team passionately worked to ensure that AIA CNJ would still be able to host a remarkable event.
Apropos that we would all step back for a moment to experience the farm for a moment, hinting at a time when modern amenities were not a given. Pausing to reflect upon the dependency on simple everyday services, we began with a vibrant social hour in the courtyard, featuring a luxurious spread of charcuterie and crudité.
Systems Thinking + Integrated Regenerative Agriculture
Charles Rosen, the visionary founder of Ironbound Farm, and Ben Walmer, AIA shared the farm's evolution. Originally an ad agency owner and alcohol brand entrepreneur, Rosen launched Ironbound Farm with a vision for regenerative agriculture and community impact. Rosen and Walmer recounted the perseverance required to achieve deep rooted sustainable and restorative goals for this 108-acre property. From developing the farm and its structures, to engaging community members, the first challenge was simply reviving lost apple varieties, (a process that took years before bearing fruit) to eventually become the cider house beloved by locals throughout the state. Navigating the complexities of codes and ordinances to realize his vision has not been without challenges, and he went into depth with attendees about these challenges, as well as his philosophical approach to agriculture that reflects his desire to create a sustainable business model to address local challenges.
Rosen also highlighted Ironbound Farm’s broader mission to foster economic development and social justice through their farm operations. Ironbound Farm strives to offer meaningful opportunities and strengthen the local economy, employing ex-offenders and individuals from all walks of life facing challenges, engaging them in the world of sustainability and resilience.
Strategic Site Development and Water Management: Insights
The event continued with an engaging session led by Co-founder of Fields Without Fences Johann Rinkens, who as a consultant to Ironbound, provided insights into strategic site development and water management at Ironbound Farm. Rinkens’ discussion highlighted the farm’s innovative techniques for managing agricultural stormwater and optimizing site layout, contributing to its sustainability through environmental restoration, permaculture design, and regenerative agriculture to create low input, self-renewing, agroecological systems that naturally restore health and integrity to the landscape.
Mother Fire Dinner
The evening concluded with dinner, featuring freshly grilled dishes prepared on the iconic Mother Fire Grill. Guests enjoyed a diverse menu of foods sustainably grown. By the light of battery-operated lamps, we ate together (thanks to a generator powering the AC), and talked about various challenges in the profession, including the need for the architectural profession to be more involved with authorities affecting development, especially where agriculture is concerned.
Summary
By blending cutting-edge agricultural techniques with a dedication to local impact, the Ironbound Farm Event provided everyone a compelling example of how innovative approaches to local and planetary health can drive environmental sustainability, social progress and wellbeing. The spirit of the AIA CNJ community was lifted through this eye-opening back to nature opportunity. As always, thank you to our hosts, members and our sponsors who continue to support our section and the profession!
Additional links
Project Team
Event Photos:
Provided for non-commercial use by Jay Rubinstein: 7thsignphotography.com
(+ some from Ben Walmer’s cell phone).
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