Homesteading and Sustainable Living
on Northern Vancouver Island
Teaching and Growing
We bought our property in Coal Harbour in 2004 with big dreams to fill it with gardens and children. Since then, we have logged the property and continue to clear land to make more growing spaces. We have close to 7 acres of south-facing land that slopes towards Stephens Bay. Historically, the site was used as a market garden in the 1930's to provide fresh food throughout Quatsino Sound, and it was also home to a mink farm. Part of the property was also historically the site of the original Coal Harbour Hotel.
We now have a North garden with flowers, veggies and micro-orchard; a central garden with garlic and veggies; and this year we are adding a South garden with a massive pumpkin/squash patch. We also have a greenhouse for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in the summer and dark leafy greens in the winter. We have several permanent plots for perennial fruit and veggies like strawberries, raspberries, asparagus and herbs.
Approximately 5 acres of the property was fenced in 2019 and we can now keep animals in and out. We keep chickens for eggs and meat and goats for clearing brush.
We love what we do and find it very rewarding. There is always something going on at Connaty Farms!
"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust."
— Gertrude Jekyll (2011)
Teacher Myra
I was raised in Northern Alberta on a small farm. My mom and dad instilled the values of hard work, creativity, adaptability and perseverance. They still help me today, but my parents are always amazed by the things that we try. My first university degree was in Biology and I was fortunate to work in my field for 7 years on the North Island. I went back to school to get my education degree when my children were little.
As a teacher, I have worked at the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw School and Fort Rupert Elementary School. My passions in teaching include biology, science, anything to do with nature and marine exploration, First Nations studies, STEM and ADST. I truly enjoy working with kids, they have a refreshing way of looking at life. I have always loved sharing what I grow with my students.
I am very fortunate to have the support of my loving husband, Bryce, and my two children, Merritt (10) and Ocean (9). Although its a lot of work now, we hope the kids find as much value and joy in living on a farm as we do.
Always Makes Me Smile
Contact
Ask me anything