Wild Blueberry Land, Columbia Falls

Growers: Dell and Marie Emerson--Farmer Dell veteran farmer 53 years at university experimental farm on Wild Blueberry research station in United States-- Chef Marie certified and award winning chef, 29 years teaching food and nutrition at community college.

Location: 383 Indian River Road Addison above the tidal Pleasant River known for Wild Atlantic Salmon 60 mile views to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.

Farm Size: 160 acres including woodland.

History: This land has been farmed since the 1800 century, haying was done by building dykes in the tidal zone, this salt marsh straw was used not just for feed, but also used for spreading on the blueberry fields to carry the fire, called pruning, as these wild berries are an every other year crop. The burning of the wild blueberry fields sanitizes the fields keeping weeds and disease in check. The blueberry plant is unharmed as 70% of the plant is underground.

Other Products: made from the wild blueberries are: pies, muffins, scones, jams, jellies, baking mixes, candies, teas, coffee, ice cream, dog cookies, salsa, vinegar, dressings, and smoothies and seeds.

Goals: To continue this kind of farming that is sustainable and friendly to the land and water for future generations of our family farm.

Concerns: Continuous consolidation of land, food processors, into bigger and bigger corporations. Legislation meant for factory farms that puts small farms out of business

Likes: Wild blueberries are one of the last wild and natural crops grown commercially. We know of thousands of clones. This kind of diversity is rare and special and the sense of pride in growing and preserving this healthful crop, that is truly made by nature, not tampered with by humans, is truly special.

Eat lots of wild blueberries they really are good and good for you!

A visit to Wild Blueberry Land represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Columbia Falls online trip planner to plot your vacation.
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