Lesbian-owned Oxbow Orchard is a go-to stop for organic farm products and a place for arts-related community-building events in Greater Cleveland.
Owners Beth Lomske and Kyla Werlin met more than 10 years ago, and have now been married for three.
Growing up in Boston, Kyla was not exposed to farming until she became involved in agricultural work in college. Developing a passion for the work, she moved to Ohio after college to work on a friend’s farm. Simultaneously aspiring to start a food co-op, she put out an inquiry in search of others interested in helping to make this goal a reality. Beth was one of several individuals to respond with interest.
Though the co-op never took off, ideas evolved and new opportunities came to light, leading to the founding of Oxbow Orchard in 2016.
Located just 20 minutes outside of downtown Cleveland and about a mile inside of Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Canal Road, the farm has quite a bit to offer.
Operations and offerings
Lomske and Werlin are committed to natural and sustainable farming practices, growing a variety of flowers, plants, trees and organic produce on the farm. They also raise Icelandic sheep, broiler chickens and Thanksgiving turkeys.
The farm’s Oxbow Market is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7pm, offering fresh seasonal produce, dairy products and ferments, pasture-raised meat, bread, pastries, ice cream and more. Other locally sourced small-business owners sell their products at the market as well.
“We want the market to become a staple – a place that people know to come for good food, and we want to become a place where local farmers and producers know that they can vend their products,” says Werlin.
During the warmer months, the farm also offers an outdoor self-serve stand available to the community from dusk to dawn. The stand operates on an honor system, meaning that customers can leave cash/check in exchange for farm products, or pay via the farm’s Venmo or Paypal accounts.
Fostering community
The farm also serves as a conduit for connection and friendship in Valley View.
Upcoming events include spoon carving from 5 to 8pm on July 19, and an introduction to eco-printing from 9 to 11am on July 26. There are also two alpaca felted soap workshops on August 2 – one in the morning and one in the afternoon!
Oxbow Orchard now hosts community-oriented events on a weekly basis. Taking place on the farm’s grounds, the events are generally free or low cost. Ranging from craft workshops, to outdoor yoga, to concerts featuring local musicians and nationally renowned artists, there is sure to be something for everyone.
“We started out with some big ideas and it has led to so many other things that we never anticipated, like some of the events and live music,” Lomske reflects. “I think just a big part of it is our desire to create our own adventure and plug into the community.”
The couple leases the land directly from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, presenting Kyla and Beth with unique opportunities and connections. The couple participates in a communal partnership with other small businesses operating inside of the national park, allowing for the facilitation of close relationships with other farm owners.
Though Oxbow Orchard is located on the edge of a fairly rural area that is not particularly known for its recognition or acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, the couple has felt embraced and supported by the locals.
Preserving progress & new projects
Any working farm benefits from a watchdog – a protector from predators. Just recently, Oxbow Orchard’s beloved Great Pyrenees, Neko, passed away peacefully at the farm. Neko had endeared himself to the local community, warmly welcoming farm visitors.
Though they continue to mourn the loss of Neko, the couple recently adopted another Great Pyrenees – Milo. They hope that Milo will protect the land as Neko did, while also becoming a familiar, smiling face to locals.
The farm consists of a homey and comforting feel, though Oxbow Market is vibrant and the farm’s land is vast. The community-centered spirit of the farm is evident simply in the essence of Oxbow Orchard.
The farm consists of a homey and comforting feel, though Oxbow Market is vibrant and the farm’s land is vast. The community-centered spirit of the farm is evident simply in the essence of Oxbow Orchard.
The couple aspires to pursue several new and exciting projects over the next few years, including the building of a greenhouse and a larger barn.
Lomske reflects, “The most exciting thing to me has been seeing all ages here – from young to old… with everyone sitting in the picnic area, watching live music and enjoying the same experience. It feels really community-centered in that way. 🔥
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For more information about Oxbow Orchard, visit their website.
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