Our Story: Evergreen Farm’s new stewards and a vision for the future
Evergreen Farm has been a cherished part of West Newbury, MA, since the 1970s, welcoming scores of families to the property to cut Christmas Trees and create lasting memories, operated by the Lovejoy Family. Historians believe the age of the house is 1729, based on reference points on old maps, and we can see that old stone walls that were likely built during that time. We acknowledge that this farm is on land that is the unceded territory of the Abenaki, Pawtucket, and Pennacook peoples, and the Wabanaki Confederacy.
In 2024, in collaboration with the Essex County Greenbelt and Town of West Newbury, we (Derek Mitchell and Lydia Sisson) were able to purchase the farm and conserve it for agriculture. We are thrilled to be continuing Christmas Tree cutting tradition while also building additional farm products, services, and ways to engage. We are firmly committed to sustainable farming practices, building a beautiful landscape in which our kids, Layla and Giovanna, will grow up, and living a rich life with our community. A diversified, community-centric farm is our vision to live out these dreams.
A Legacy
of Stewardship
in West Newbury
The first seeds of Evergreen Farm were planted in the 1970s by the Lovejoy family, who established a Christmas tree farm in West Newbury.
In 2024, with the support of Essex County Greenbelt and the Town of West Newbury, we preserved 14 acres of this beloved land and began a new chapter.
Today, we’re proud to continue the farm’s legacy while expanding our offerings to include local specialty produce grown with organic practices, pasture-raised animals, holiday tree cutting, and more.
The Heart of
Evergreen
Derek & Lydia's journey to Evergreen Farm started nearly 20 years ago when they met working at a youth farm just outside of Lowell, MA. Since then, their work, relationship, and dream of running a diversified farm operation has been full of passion and perseverance.
Derek & Lydia are grateful to have finally landed at home at Evergreen Farm, and look forward to growing on our vision 20 years in the making.
Since the first planting of the seed of this vision in 2006, we have had plenty of adventures, including founding nonprofits, digging our roots into communities, and growing a family. This next chapter will build on so many lessons learned and friends made as we aim for Evergreen to serve as our home, a working farm, and a place to connect with nature, grow nourishing food, and continue to build community rooted in sustainability and shared values.
Guided by
Core Principles
Evergreen Farm thrives on principles that have guided us from the beginning:
Sustainability: We practice organic and regenerative farming, prioritizing the health of the soil, biodiversity, and the ecosystem. We don’t use conventional pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides and adhere to organic practices.
Community: Our farm is a place where people come together to learn, share, and grow. We believe in the power of relationships, both with the land and with each other.
Hope: We honor the farm’s history while embracing new opportunities to serve our community and the environment. Envisioning a farm that can nourish the community, have reciprocity for the land, and be a safe space for us to all thrive.
Join Us
We invite you to be part of our story. Whether you’re visiting to pick fresh produce, attending a workshop, or simply enjoying the beauty of the farm, we’re thrilled to share this journey with you. Stay up to date on farm offerings, seasonal events, and all of our farm updates!
Follow
Along
