Arden Welcomes New Team to Manage Residential Agrihoods Five-Acre Farm

By Devon Walls.
Updated Jul 7, 2022

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (PRWEB) July 07, 2022 - Arden, South Floridas first master-planned residential agrihood, has recently welcomed a team of organic farming experts who will manage the communitys five-acre working farm. Ardens new Farm Director Cristian DeRusha is joined by two new farmers Charmaine Peters and Nick Nieves.

DeRusha, Peters, and Nieves will oversee Ardens farm share program and continue developing the communitys second farm. The new team will take farm management over from former Farm Directors, Tripp and Carmen Eldridge, who are moving to Gainesville, FL to spend more time with their family.

Were incredibly honored to have served as Ardens first Farm Directors and established a solid foundation for the farms operation thats scalable and productive. Weve been able to work alongside the best team and have really gotten to know so many amazing residents, said Carmen Eldridge. Its been an absolute pleasure to serve this community, and we are excited about Arden and its farms future under the management of Cristian and his team.

DeRusha added: I am thrilled to be joining the Arden farm and having the opportunity to grow the farm-to-table lifestyle here in the agrihood. I am honored to continue the incredible work that Tripp and Carmen have done over the last four and a half years. The agrihood experience is so unique, and we are excited to make access to fresh, locally grown produce a reality for Arden residents.'

Cristian DeRusha is a Colombian American who grew up in the suburbs of Indianapolis, where he started his career in farm management and urban ecology while studying at Butler University. He joined the farm team in March 2022 as a farm manager and will now take over as Farm Director. With eight years of experience in the production of organic fruits, vegetables, culinary mushrooms, and animal husbandry, DeRusha brings a global perspective to Ardens farm team.

In 2006, Charmaine Peters joined the Licking Creek Bend Farm in Pennsylvania, where she apprenticed on a 60-acre farm, managing a 100-person Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and educating and training multiple worker-run teams of young farmers. Over the course of 15 years, she became a passionate advocate for health, nutrition, and supporting local communities with organic food, making her the perfect addition to the agrihood.

Nick Nieves love for farming started 13 years ago. From growing food in his own backyard to working on production farms, Nick has gained extensive experience in agriculture and is excited to put it into practice at Arden.

Also joining the farm team is Ruby Pyle. A retired nurse who loves outdoor gardening, Pyle will be managing the Arden General Store located in the Events Barn.

Developed to promote healthy living, community engagement, and keep residents connected with nature, Arden is home to a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by green space, world-class amenities, and 20 miles of running and biking trails. At the center of the Arden community is a five-acre farm that provides fresh produce to hundreds of residents from November to May. The farm serves as a unique amenity for Ardens residents, allowing them to volunteer to work with the farm team as they plant and tend to the crops, and share in the harvest of farm-fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

About Arden Ardens scenic landscape includes 175 acres of magnificent lakes, including a mile-long central lake, 20 miles of trails, and 500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green space. Arden is also home to one of the first agrihoods in Florida. Ardens 5-acre farm and event barn are central components of community life here, offering fruits, vegetables, and herbs shared among the residents. Wellingtons world-famous equestrian centers are just 12 minutes from Arden. Arden is also close to major employment centers. A-rated Wellington schools, top-rated medical centers, white sand beaches, shopping, dining destinations, world-class golf, and direct access to sophisticated Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and South Floridas major cities makes Ardens location second to none.