about us

Hi and Hello There! 

We are Katie + Mike, pardner's in life and farm since 2007. Yes, we got married and started farming together in the same year. For better or for worse, but most days it feels for the better!

I, Katie, also graduated herb school that same year! I was lucky to get the opportunity to apprentice with the director of The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine and then attend director Juliet Blankespoor's first year of the school. It was an incredible and transformative experience. I am an herbalist, but as most know there is no actual certification. I do not have a clinical herbal practice but am happy to refer you to folks if you're looking! I use my herbal studies for myself, my family and to enhance my personal experiences with the plants as a grower and medicine maker.

Growing medicinal herbs on this scale has deepened my love, respect and wonder for these small but mightily significant beings we are so blessed to walk with the Earth with. Which also happens to relate to the Kestrel and to how I feel about small farms and doing small, helpful things for the world. I love this quote from Kahlil Gibran, " Work is our love made visible."  I was born and raised in Asheville and am in awe every day that I still call these mountains home! I love to study the stars and how they relate to life here on Earth and am always looking to learn more in that realm. My greatest joy is being a mother to my two precious babes and being married to my best friend. I am an Aries sun, Capricorn moon and Cancer rising. 

Mike hails from Durham, NC. He attended UNCA and Haywood Community College where he studies biology and horticultural science. He has his own small landscaping business and a gorgeous permaculture garden in West Asheville before we started our farming journey together. He loves plants and is an absolute soil wizard. He manages all of the field operations. He sees things from a grand perspective and has a keen intuition for the needs of the plants, animals and land itself and he knows how to meet those in the most sustainable manner. He also manages our small herd of beef cattle and is responsible for adding them into our whole-farm operation. He is an Aquarius sun and moon with Cancer rising. He loves to cook special meals for friends and family, swim in the pond and play with our kids, explore the mountains and watch the birds.

Our passion lies in connecting people with nature, growing community and celebrating and honoring life in all it's forms and glory! Thanks for being here.