Tri Gable-Lea Farm

Tri Gable Lea Farm is a family-owned farm located next to the Wasnewski family farm on Marvin Road. The land has been in the family for generations, with Mark Gostkiewicz's grandfather Stephan fleeing German-occupied Poland and meeting his future wife Stella on the Wasnewski farm. Mark's father, Ron, acquired a building lot from his uncle Ira Wasnewski, which remained a hayfield until Mark and Naomi decided to build their home there. Mark's passion for sustainable farming began with his first job at the certified organic Highland Thistle Farm in Canterbury, CT, and later at Hart's Greenhouses. Mark and Naomi, both educators, started working on their own garden in 2008 and launched their first CSA in 2013. They have since diversified into plant propagation, mushroom farming, and beekeeping, and have shifted their focus to agricultural education.

The farm employs organic and sustainable practices learned from Mark's early experiences at Highland Thistle Farm and Hart's Greenhouses. They emphasize holistic management and responsible land stewardship. The farm offers workshops on organic gardening, seed starting, beekeeping, and mushroom cultivation, aiming to teach natural processes and sustainable practices to home gardeners, homesteaders, and market gardeners.

In 2018, the farm shifted its focus to education, offering workshops instead of CSA shares. They have also embraced online education, providing Zoom and on-demand recorded classes to reach a wider audience. The farm's branding includes 'In the Lea,' 'In the Lee,' and 'SaltStar,' reflecting their connection to the earth and the ocean. They continue to honor their commitment to sustainable practices, having taken the CT NOFA's Farmer's Pledge in past years.