MayBelle Fields:Lavender Farm & Herb Garden
MayBelle Fields: TribeX Museum Headquarters for Sustainable Agriculture and Community Impact
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Mission: Cultivating a regenerative lavender and herb farm that promotes ecological balance, community education, and food sovereignty through regenerative gardening and permaculture.
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Join us for the Ground Breaking Ceremony on Saturday, November 23, 2024
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Our Commitment to Sustainability & Community Impact
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1. Environmental Stewardship
Sustainable Farming: MayBelle Fields employs no-till farming methods to maintain soil structure and enhance soil health, effectively reducing erosion and boosting soil carbon sequestration.
Cover Crops & Companion Planting: Using cover crops like oats, winter rye, and crimson clover strengthens soil health by fixing nitrogen, reducing erosion, and improving soil structure. Companion plants, such as garlic, chives, and marigolds, provide natural pest control, eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and fostering biodiversity.
Water Conservation with Rainwater Catchment & Drip Irrigation Systems: The rainwater catchment system conserves water, decreases reliance on municipal resources, and reduces soil erosion through efficient drip irrigation. This approach ensures a sustainable water supply for the farm.
Natural Swales for Water Management: Designed natural swales guide water runoff into areas where it can be absorbed, reducing waste and enhancing soil moisture levels, which supports groundwater recharge and soil health.
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2. Education & Food Sovereignty
Local Production & Self-Reliance: By producing high-quality lavender and herbs locally, Tribe X Museum Gardens supports local horticulture, offering hands-on learning and agricultural research opportunities. This encourages a sense of community resilience in Caddo Parish, where over 24% of residents live in poverty.
Educational Opportunities: Through the Garden Stewards program, alongside hands on regenerative gardening classes and permaculture workshops, MayBelle Fields provides space for practicing sustainable farming, harvesting, and processing. These activities educate and empower community members, students, and local farmers, promoting food security and sovereignty.
Diverse Crop Integration: Integrating diverse crops supports a resilient agricultural system and generates multiple income sources, contributing to economic stability.
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3. Building Resilient Communities
Economic Benefits: The garden generates revenue through the sale of lavender and lavender-based products, supporting the local economy and creating job opportunities. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, the farm strengthens the region’s economic fabric.
Community Engagement: MayBelle Fields actively connects with residents, universities, schools, permaculture guilds, gardening groups, and other farms. Through events, workshops, and garden tours, we foster genuine connections between people and the environment.
Environmental Awareness: TribeX Museum Gardens serves as a living model of regenerative agriculture, inspiring environmental stewardship and educating others on integrating sustainable practices into agriculture.
Climate Resilience: The regenerative practices at MayBelle Fields enhance soil health and improve water management, increasing resilience to climate change. By promoting soil carbon sequestration and efficient water use, the farm aims to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and climate shifts. Our 10-year goal is to convert at least 60% of the site into a food forest by 2035.