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2O2 4 – 2O2 5 GU I D E to Y E L LOW S P R I NG S 27 focused on raising heritage breeds such as Buckeyes and Americanas, which are breeds that can be used for laying or meat birds. “One of the things I’m excited to do this summer is collaborate with my friends Jordan and Dustin [Mapel] of Biddy Bobby Farm to breed chickens in a sustainable way,” Pelzl said. Because of a conditional use agreement made with the Village, Pelzl is unable to keep roosters on her property — a condition that does not apply to any other villagers. By breeding their own hens, Pelzl said she could ensure all of her laying hens are treated humanely from birth. “That means we won’t clip their beaks and pure birds will be good foragers,” Pelzl said. In addition to breeding chickens, Pelzl is collaborat - ing with the Mapels and Dan Dixon, of Last Adventure Farm, on a farm stand that will be housed at Forest Village Farm. At the stand, Pelzl, the Mapels and Dixon will sell eggs and honey and other items produced on their properties. “We’re renovating Dan’s Airstream,” Pelzl said. “This will allow us to be open all year and create an alternative to a farmers market.” Pelzl said she was inspired by Kent’s Feed Barn, a Cedar- ville farm supply business that offers self service. “Following their model will allow us to collaborate with other farmers and reduce some of the labor involved,” Pelzl said. While Pelzl said she will continue to sell products from the farm to cover costs, her dream is to have people enjoying the property as a learning space and food forest. “There are costs associ- ated with running a farm, and I want those costs to be covered in exchange for goods that are valuable to the com- munity,” Pelzl said. “I would really love to be running the farm outside of the capitalistic structure as much as possible.” To that end, Pelzl said her vision of clearing the land of invasive species, cultivat - ing mushrooms and growing fruit trees would create a recreational space, a space for learning and a space that inspires people to learn more about their own backyards. “I feel really fulfilled teach - ing people about plants,” Pelzl said. “I’ve had the experience where people learn what honeysuckle is, and now they want to cut it down everywhere. I believe we could eradicate honeysuckle in Yellow Springs and plant native plants.” A belief in community is at the center of all Pelzl does, from working for the Village to tending and teaching about the land. Pelzl and her family have lived in Yellow Springs for generations, but Pelzl said her community mindset came from her expe- rience at Nonstop Antioch between 2008 and 2009, and her work for the Village. As a Village employee, Pelzl said she enjoys getting to know people and having the opportunity to build deep connections. “I think that’s why people want to live here and fight so hard to stay,” Pelzl said. Asked how she believes Forest Village Farm fits into her sense of community, Pelzl said she has seen how carefully people tend their properties and that she wants to do her part in that, on a bigger scale. “I’m not looking for the farm to become a tourist attrac - tion,” Pelzl said. “I want it to be more like a badly kept secret for the community, a place where you can pick fruit, build a fairy house and give the chickens some scraps — a place for all beings.” ♦ youngsdairy.com One mile north of Yellow Springs on U.S. 68 # 1 For Family Fun DAIRY STORE Homemade Ice Cream, Young’s Farmstead Cheese, Sandwiches & Side Orders UDDERS & PUTTERS Miniature Golf, Driving Range, Batting Cages YOUNG’S EVENT CENTER Book your event here; currently taking reservations BARNABE’S WALNUT GROVE Catered Picnic Pavilions Complete with Family Entertainment Dairy Store: 937-325-0629 youngsdairy.com  •  cows@youngsdairy.com MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN! “The best place to watch a movie together” • Showing today’s best art house films and documentaries with special retrospectives and classics