About Us
Welcome to Lifespring Urban Farms, where we believe in cultivating health, community, and sustainability right in the heart of our city. Established with a passion for transforming urban spaces into thriving centers of agricultural abundance, Lifespring Urban Farms is dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious produce while fostering a connection between people and the food they eat.
At Lifespring, we are committed to sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and the well-being of our community. Through innovative vertical farming techniques and a deep-rooted respect for nature, we strive to produce the highest quality greens and herbs year-round, all grown locally and responsibly.
Our mission extends beyond just growing food; it's about creating opportunities. By partnering with local organizations and employing members of our community, we aim to empower individuals and strengthen our neighborhood bonds. Together, we're sowing the seeds of a healthier, more sustainable future.
Join us in our journey to redefine urban farming. Explore our farm, meet our team, and discover the Lifespring difference.
How We Grow
Innovative Cultivation
Our approach to farming revolutionizes traditional methods by harnessing cutting-edge technology to significantly reduce land requirements and enhance efficiency. Utilizing hydroponic systems, we cultivate plants in nutrient-rich water solutions, eliminating the need for soil. This method reduces land use to less than one percent and slashes water consumption by over tenfold.
Depending on the site, we deploy Container Farms or repurpose underutilized indoor spaces like vacant buildings, retail stores, or garages. Our indoor farming leverages Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), an advanced technique that optimizes plant growth through meticulously controlled environmental conditions.
CEA demands expertise spanning chemistry, horticulture, engineering, plant physiology, pathology, and more. This integrated approach ensures precise management and optimal plant health, whether in research or commercial settings.
Importance
Modern consumers increasingly seek fresh, high-quality vegetables free from pesticides and chemicals. Local production addresses this demand, especially in regions unable to sustain year-round local harvests. Transporting produce over long distances compromises freshness and incurs significant energy costs.
By contrast, local CEA facilities reduce energy consumption associated with transportation and offer consistent, high-quality produce regardless of external climate conditions. Studies indicate that CEA can outperform long-distance transportation in energy efficiency, particularly in cold and cloudy climates like the Northeast and upper Midwest.
As liquid fuel prices escalate, CEA's reliance on electricity and natural gas, which are expected to increase more modestly, positions it favorably for future agricultural sustainability. Well-managed CEA operations not only yield high-quality, chemical-free produce but also mitigate environmental impact by controlling liquid discharge and conserving land resources.
Benefits to Consumers
Locally managed CEA facilities deliver fresh, superior-quality produce directly to consumers, bypassing conventional supply chains. These facilities operate within urban areas, minimizing the need for new greenhouse developments on agricultural lands. They contribute to local economies through tax revenue and job creation while ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture.
Our Team
Lifespring Urban Farms is powered by a dedicated team united by a passion for sustainable agriculture and community enrichment.
The genesis of our venture began with a shared frustration among friends about the scarcity of locally grown, quality produce. These discussions sparked immediate interest and action when Dan Thayer, with over 40 years in mechanical engineering and HVAC design, shared insights that propelled our journey.
Dan Thayer, P.E.
Dan's roots trace back to a small family farm in central Maine, where he cultivated his first crops at the age of eight. His career in mechanical engineering blossomed into HVAC and refrigeration design, leading Thayer Corporation to pioneer controlled atmosphere apple storages across Maine. His venture into the cannabis industry in 2015 marked a milestone in controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) with innovative vertical hydroponic cultivation facilities in North America.
Laura Thayer
Laura's journey from farming in western Virginia to serving in the US Navy and owning various small businesses resonates deeply with Lifespring's mission. Her spiritual curiosity and dedication to community development add a profound dimension to our team.
Ross Thayer
Ross's deeply rooted in Maine, expanded his expertise in computer science and automated control systems, becoming a master grower in indoor farming. His commitment to sharing best practices in sustainable agriculture drives our innovations.
Tammy Giles
Tammy joined Lifespring Urban Farms as an experienced farmhand, bringing a wealth of knowledge in sustainable urban farming. While raising a family, she dedicated herself to studying and practicing farming skills, infusing our team with boundless energy, enthusiasm, and a natural curiosity for learning. Her passion for sustainable practices has been a valuable addition to Lifespring.
Together, we embody Lifespring Urban Farms' commitment to cultivating sustainable, high-quality produce and fostering community resilience through agriculture.