A One-of-a-Kind Team Retreat
Give your team a unique experience that is meaningful, motivational and fun.
Just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Leystone Farms is a unique and inspiring regenerative farm. We’ve opened our doors to bring many groups for a visit and share the story of our approach, our methods, our mindset, and our experience.
Something Special for Your Team Retreat
Leystone Farms is new but has already garnered extensive attention including national media coverage for our innovative approaches.
We are excited to be able to share the spirit of this land, our mindset, and the practices that we are taking with the hope that you will find practical ways to apply the ones that resonate with you in your life and work.
This is a three-hour on-site experience at Leystone Farms that includes a tour of the farm including an opportunity to:
-
- See our animals – including our famous miniature sheep
- Observe regnerative agriculture in action
- Stroll the gardens
- Spend time in the vineyard
- Listen to stories of innovation and inspiration
- Learn about this unique farming approach
- See our animals – including our famous miniature sheep
During that time, the farmers will share the story of this place and the unique set of practices that are being used to reinvigorate this 25-acre mixed-use farm.
A Three-hour Experience to Reconnect
Arrive on Site
Land Acknowledgement – This land is not our own. But we have stewardship for it right now. This is important to us and we take a few minutes to explain why.
Understanding Who We are and What You’re Going to See – We took a leap from city living to move to the country and start farming; with no prior farming experience. They describe the joy of embracing a life that was more aligned with what they wanted to experience day-to-day along with facing the substantial challenges that come with that life.
This is small-scale farm undergoing a major transformation. We will give you a short overview of what’s happening and why so you will be able to connect the theory and the practice as you observe them.
Seeing the Animals – You will have the chance to meet our miniature sheep, alpaca, and Loretta the llama who is their guardian. We also have over 15 breeds of chickens who lay a collection of colourful eggs. We will share with you why we chose each animal and how they are carefully integrated into the functioning of the farm and the care of the land.
Soil & Gardens – We are a self-sufficient, regenerative farm so everything we do is linked to soil. We will describe how we approach that while we tour our gourd tunnel and beautiful raised-bed gardens.
A Nurturing Approach – A single value guides all of our activities on the farm. We will share that with you and explain how it has not only guides our decision-making and has helped us accomplish so much so quickly, we will also show you how it has led to the development of innovative on-farm products that are rapidly differentiating the farm.
Letting Go – We will step into the vineyard together to share a conversation about how we are restoring and enhancing the vines. We will also learn how the the experience of pruning the vineyard teaches about the importance of letting and how that affects our lives and work.
Savoring the Farm – You will have time to explore the farm, ask questions, walk the land, and soak in the tremendous views of the Gatineau Hills and the Champlain Basin, or just rest in this beauty. Our Farm Store will be open if you would like to take home any products from the farm.
Departure
The Essential Details
We’ve worked hard to make this as simple and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
Location
- Leystone Farms is nestled at the foot of the Gatineau Hills in Luskville, Quebec just 30 minutes from the bridges connecting Ottawa and Gatineau.
Language
- We can guide you through this experience in French or English.
Facilities
- Water is available on site for anyone who wishes to bring a water bottle and fill it while they are here.
- Parking is available at no charge.
- Catering can be arranged if your group would like to include a meal while you are here.
- We have picnic tables and shaded areas to rest.
Safety
- Please dress according to the weather. No sandals please. We are a working farm so you may well encounter mud, manure, puddles, rocky terrain, etc.
- Yes, there’s a waiver as this is a working farm.
Community
- We are an inclusive and welcoming Farm. We accept everyone here and only ask that we all treat one another with deep respect and dignity.
Sharing
- You are welcome to take photos and share them.
Interested in bringing your team to Leystone Farms?
We’d love to have you out for a visit! Be sure to include the following information and we’ll get back to you right away:
-
- Your name
- Organization
- Email address
- Direct phone number
- Desired date
Team retreats are possible from June to the end of November each year.
What’s Happening at Leystone These Days?
Wool Pellets Nourish Your Garden
In the intricate tapestry of gardening, your role extends beyond that of a mere planter. You're a nourisher, a guardian of growth, a curator of life. Each decision you make is a brushstroke on the canvas of your garden's potential.From analyzing potential threats to...
Luskville farm turns wasted wool into new gardening product
"Luskville farm turns wasted wool into new garden product" was published in The Equity on September 16, 2023 and was authored by Connor Lalande Luskville area agriculture mainstay Leystone Farms is turning discarded sheep wool into pellets that can be used to...
Wool Pellet Research Results
Wool pellet research in the academic community is starting to raise important new opportunities in gardening and agriculture. In the world of sustainable agriculture, the search for innovative solutions that enhance crop productivity while safeguarding the environment...
Let’s Stay Connected
We periodically share information about what’s happening on the farm, our flock of sheep, Loretta the llama, events that are coming up, and how you can be involved.