Heritage Prairie Market

Meet the Staff of Heritage Prairie Market
It's the people that make our farm and market work. Learn about our dedicated staff, their backgrounds and interests. Next time you are at the Farm or Market say hi!

Bronwyn Weaver and Bob Archibald, Owners
Raised on an organic farm in rural Ohio, Bron has her roots sunk deep into family-centered communities and has had an avid interest in naturally grown food. Bob was born and raised in Montana and also has always had a close connection to the land. Seven years ago when they moved to the Fox Valley area, Bron's interest in farming was sparked again in a decision to become a beekeeper, and she began bottling and selling her honey on the farm. Her honey sales grew and the business expanded, into what is now Heritage Prairie Market. They have four children: Cynthia serving proudly in the US Army and stationed in Charlottesville with her husband Seth; Elliot living in Montana with his wife Jodi; and if you have been to the Farm on weekends or to the Saturday Green City Market—you'll see their youngest two Margaret and Grace, working alongside Mom and Dad. Click to email Bob or Bron.

Portia Belloc Lowndes, Executive Director
Since she was very young, Portia immersed herself in the food world. In 1991 Portia founded Slow Food Chicago which she co-led for 9 years. She was on the Slow Food USA Board of Directors followed by a position as Slow Food USA's Special Events Director. She's had nearly every job possible at the Green City Market: from selling mushrooms, to creating and running children's programs, to currently serving on the Board of Directors . Though a city girl at heart, Portia moved from Chicago two years ago to Geneva to live in a 1850's farmhouse with her two daughters and their dog Paddy. After connecting with Bronwyn over a heritage breed turkey, possibilities began to unfold. Portia will be directing her energy at Hertiage Prairie towards marketing, product development and special events at the farm. Contact Portia here.

Ted Richter, Farm Manager
A Kane County native, Ted was drawn to the West Coast in his college years, where he studied political science. Enamored by the state of Oregon, Ted spent the next twenty years in the fly fishing industry, owning an outfitting service on the Deschutes River in Oregon. To our benefit, Ted found his way back to the area about five years ago. Since then, Ted has worked on his family farm becoming well-renowned in local restaurants and farmer’s markets for his amazing heirloom tomatoes. After getting to know Ted throughout the Farmer's Market season of 2007, HPM was delighted for Ted to join our team last fall. Contact Ted here.

Nate Sumner, Assistant Farm Manager
When Nate's wife Kim gave him a few packets of vegetable seeds for Easter one year, she couldn't and didn't know all that would transpire as a result of this simple gift. As a student of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Nate developped his appreciation for organic and high quality produce, as well as excellent culinary abilities. Those first seeds were planted and grew on a small roof-top garden in Wheaton, IL. Nate furthered his skills through spending a year at the Green Earth Institute in Naperville, IL. At Heritage Prairie, Nate works along with Ted in the greenhouses and fields. Contact Nate here.

Anna found her niche writing about sustainability and local food while at University of Iowa's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It was not until she spent a summer interning at the non-profit Downtown Oak Park did she find her love for public relations and events. At Heritage Prairie Anna focuses on organizing private and farm events, assisting with eco-chic farm weddings, and handling public relations and social media for the farm. Contact Anna here.

Jen Calanca, Assistant Farm Manager
Jen's farming roots go way back to the 1800's when her great great grandmother came to the United States with a cherry wood dresser full of grain. That grain started the homestead located in what is now Grayslake, IL and has been home to five generations of her family. Jen studied Political Science and English at Illinois State University, and continued onto graduate school at Northern Illinois University. Despite her academic pursuits, there was a nagging feeling she was missing something in her life. Moving to rural Kane County in 2005 inspired Jen to get back in touch with her farming roots, so she planted a little garden. Her love of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers spread like a weed and quickly consumed her. As Assistant Farm Manager Jen will be working with Nate and Ted to launch and run our 2010 Community Supported Agriculture program, as well as selling Bron's Bees Honey and farm produce. The dresser that started her family's homestead sits in her bedroom today. Contact Jen here.

Carlos Palomares, Assistant Farm Manager
Carlos has worked for Heritage Prairie Farm since the very beginning. Carlos is a Jack-Of-All-Trades, he honed many of his skills while working as a mechanic, fixing everything from cars to air conditioning units and working as an Oyster fisherman. Carlos grew up in Las Vegas, but moved here to pursue his dreams of working the land. He plays a large role in the success of Heritage Prairie Farm, doing everything from planting and harvesting to selling at the Farmer's Markets and working farm events. Carlos can tell you the produce yeilds off the top of his head and in the same breath he will tell you that this is "the best job" he's every had! Contact Carlos here.

Val was born and and raised in Geneva, and is currently studying Theatre/Management at St. Ambrose University. She grew up playing in the backyard of her house, eating tomatoes fresh from the garden and learning the wonders of nature. Val has been working at the farm and with Portia for the past few years, doing events and learning about all things organic (and delicious!) You will see her at all of HPF's farm and private events, and spending some time in the fields. Val's main job however, will be working to make HPF's first annual HoneyFest a success, organizing vendors and spreading the buzz abouot honey. Contact Val here.