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About Us

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Meet Chris & Julie Butler

The Heart Behind Native Roots Family Farm

We’re Chris and Julie Butler, the husband-and-wife team behind Native Roots Family Farm. Our journey into farming is rooted in a deep love for the land, a passion for nourishing our community, and a commitment to sustainable, regenerative agriculture.


Before becoming farmers, we both dedicated our lives to public education as special education teachers. Teaching taught us patience, resilience, and the power of community—values that now shape the way we farm. Just as we once worked to support and uplift our students, we now work to nurture the land, cultivate healthy food, and strengthen the local food system.


For us, Native Roots is more than just a farm—it’s a way of life. It’s about honoring the wisdom of those who came before us, stewarding the land for future generations, and providing real, nutrient-dense food for families like yours.

Chris’s background in agriculture, education, and community outreach has shaped the heart of our mission—growing food with integrity while strengthening local connections. With years of experience teaching farming and gardening, he believes that food should be grown with purpose and eaten with appreciation.

Julie brings a deep love for family and community to everything we do. She keeps the heart of the farm beating strong, making sure that every seed planted and every harvest gathered is done with care. Together, we share a vision of a healthier, more connected food system—one where people know their farmers, trust their food, and feel good about what’s on their plate.

At Native Roots Family Farm, we believe in food that’s Sustainable, Local, and Family-Grown. Whether you join our CSA, visit us at market, or simply follow along on our journey, we’re grateful for your support in growing something meaningful—together.

 

Welcome to Native Roots Family Farm. Let’s grow something good. 

Meet James & Debbie Butler

The Roots of Native Roots Family Farm
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James and Debbie Butler are the foundation of Native Roots Family Farm—both in spirit and in soil. As lifelong stewards of the land, they have been growing vegetables on this family property for many years, cultivating not just food, but a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the importance of community.

Their dedication to farming is more than a profession—it’s a way of life. They’ve spent decades tending the land, nurturing crops, and sharing the harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. Their passion for growing food with integrity and purpose has shaped everything we do at Native Roots.

As Farm Director, James brings a lifetime of knowledge and experience to our fields. His wisdom, patience, and hands-on approach ensure that every seed planted is given the care and respect it deserves. His love for farming is contagious, and his ability to problem-solve and adapt makes him an invaluable leader on the farm.

Debbie, our Value-Added Product Director, has a gift for transforming fresh ingredients into delicious, farm-crafted products. From homemade jams to pickles and dried herbs, her creativity and skill help extend the life of our harvest while offering our community even more ways to enjoy locally grown food.

Beyond their official roles, James and Debbie are the heart of Native Roots. They’ve not only passed down farming wisdom but have also instilled in us the values of hard work, family, and giving back to the community. Their knowledge and dedication inspire everything we do, and we’re honored to continue their legacy through the farm.

At Native Roots Family Farm, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us—people like James and Debbie, who have spent their lives tending this land with love and intention.

 

Because of them, we grow. 

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About Us

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Grow your Knowledge

Check out our education page where you can learn more about our family, our farm, and our mission.
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Our Story

Since the early 1980s, my granddad bought and managed land, and over the years, growth has surrounded it, leaving his farm as one of the few remaining in the area. In today's world, we believe it's important to know what's in our food and where it comes from. We’re committed to taking care of the land that has been in our family for generations and sharing it with our community. Your family deserves to know where their food comes from and the care it takes to ensure it’s the best nature has to offer. When you choose Native Roots, you can trust that the food you’re receiving is grown with your family’s health as our top priority.

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