A Farm-Fresh Afternoon: Our Al Fresco Lunch at The Works Urban Farms

Last week, The Works Urban Farms hosted a special al fresco lunch to bring together our board members and staff for an afternoon of good food, good company, and a deeper look into the regenerative projects that fuel our mission. Set right in the heart of the farm, the gathering offered a unique chance to slow down, share a meal, and experience the ecosystem we’re building—literally from the ground up.

A Menu Inspired by the Garden

Every dish on the table came from a curated garden-themed menu, with each guest contributing a homemade creation. It was inspiring to see how everyone interpreted the theme—colorful salads bursting with freshly harvested greens, vibrant vegetable dishes highlighting seasonal flavors, and herbal touches that made every plate feel rooted in the farm itself.

Many of the ingredients were grown just steps away from where we dined, showcasing the true farm-to-table spirit that guides our work. Our team used produce harvested that morning to create fresh salads, adding a beautiful (and delicious) reminder of the abundance our land provides.

Decor Crafted from the Land

The table setting was an aesthetic celebration of sustainability. Wood from our own sawmill was fashioned into simple, rustic décor elements that added warmth and authenticity to the long farm tables. Herbs gathered from the fields—basil, rosemary, mint, and flowering varieties—were arranged into natural centerpieces, filling the air with fragrance and bringing a soft, wild beauty to the lunch.

Learning, Connecting, and Celebrating Regeneration

Beyond the food and the scenery, the lunch offered our board members a hands-on opportunity to learn more about our regenerative farming and forestry projects. Walking the farm, seeing the soil systems, and learning about the interconnected processes behind our produce, lumber, and land management brought our mission into focus in a tangible way.

Most importantly, the afternoon offered space for connection. Staff and board members shared stories, ideas, and laughter over a long table in the sun—reminding us that community is at the heart of every project we grow.

A Day to Remember

Our al fresco lunch was more than a meal—it was a celebration of the land, our team, and the regenerative work that ties us all together. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed a dish, helped prepare the space, and joined us for a memorable afternoon on the farm.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—and how powerful it can be to gather around a table made from our forests, decorated with our herbs, and filled with food from our fields.