WaEvery so often, a visitor or volunteer at the farm will ask if the water from our well is “safe” to drink. This is usually because they are used to treated water pumped to their homes from utility companies. Those of us growing up in less urban conditions are used to the comfort of knowing your water source. In Rushton’s case, it is a wonderful 600 foot well that provides cold, crystal clear refreshment on hot days such as these.

When Rushton Farm was first established a good water source was a must so we had multiple well engineers come out to judge the best site to drill a well. When a site was chosen drilling began and panic ensued as we reached the maximum depth without hitting a water vein with a high flow rate. It was in the last few feet of drilling that we hit a source with a flow rate of 14 gallons per minute, perfect for our farm. The water is tested every year and always comes out as immaculate. Discussing water quality may seem mundane but it is one of the most important parts of the farm. 

In 2012 Henry’s Garden was established in memory of Henry Jordan whose commitment to addressing issues of poverty and access to nutritious food brought him to the Advisory Board of the Chester County Food Bank. Henry’s Garden is designed to be a smaller version of Rushton Farm where community members, school groups and volunteers can come out and learn how even a backyard garden can supply hundreds of pounds of fresh, chemical-free, local produce- yielding both nutritional and educational benefits to the community. 

All food is grown and harvested by volunteers and donated to the West Chester Food Cupboard or Chester County Food Bank.