FEATURED VOLUNTEER

ABBEY MCELVEEN 2005 - 2024

Photo was taken in September 2024, when Abbey came out to volunteer on the farm with a group from ASU.

“Of all the volunteers that day, I remember 19 year old Abbey well. She was so happy to be there, ready to help no matter what the task. She fit right in. As we removed fabric and pulled out plants, Abbey was excited every time I gave her something new to taste, whether it was a pepper, green bean or apple. Her reaction was so joyous that I would seek her out just to see it!

We host hundreds of people on the farm every hear - interns, volunteers, guests for our agritourism events… but Abbey made a lasting impression. Her sheer exuberance to be working on my farm on an early Saturday morning impressed me. Unfortunately, I didn’t know Abbey for long, but what I do know was that she was fun and had a spirit of gratitude. Her positive attitude was so contagious: she literally made me laugh out loud, which as a tired farmer pulling fabric at the end of a long growing season was something I’ll never forget. Rumor has it she wanted to intern with us in 2025, and I have no doubt she would’ve added so much goodness to Springhouse Farm.

Abbey’s passing is a reminder to slow down and savor the beautiful moments. I believe that her spirit lives on through the good work we do on the farm, and I hope wherever she is now that she is at peace, surrounded by baskets of freshly harvested Liberty apples and Islander peppers!”

- Amy Fiedler