Kevin Meehan was born and raised in Boulder, CO, studied architecture, and built homes alongside Mike Reynolds (the man who became famous for building “earthships“) in Taos, NM.  He went on to building homes with his wife in Iowa, in California, and in Wisconsin alongside Lake Superior.

In 1995 Kevin and his wife, Kim were in North Carolina visiting Kim’s parents who had recently moved to the state from Baltimore, MD.  They were exploring the area and lost their way about 20 miles outside of Carrboro.  When they pulled over to look at a map, they found themselves staring at an abandoned homestead.  The original plan was to move to Eugene, OR, start a small farm and raise a family, but they were struck by the beauty of the North Carolina landscape and the fertile soil of this little plot of land.  That same day Kevin and Kim put an offer in on this property, and 20 years later Turtle Run Farm remains the home of Kevin, Kim, their two daughters, Clare and Erin, and now Kevin’s mother.

Turtle Run Farm grows blueberries, pears, corn, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, greens, okra, cucumbers, strawberries, potatoes, and a few herbs on 3 acres of land.  The farm has been an anchor of the Carrboro Farmers Market for the past 20 years, and the scientific experiment ground of Clare Meehan.  Clare enjoys helping her father cross pollinate some of the crops to create new hybrids.  One of the favorite hybrids, Little Cherokees, are a cross between Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes and Sungold tomatoes.  Other varieties include Erins Gold and Clares Red, named after their daughters.  A few additional projects that have taken shape on the farm are the greenhouse which was designed and built by Kevin’s agricultural studies students at Central Carolina Community College, and the Use-Yer-Foot sink, which provides a portable hand washing station for festivals and outdoor events.

Our visit to Turtle Run Farm was absolutely wonderful.  Kevin and his family have such an enthusiastic energy about them. It is evident by the quality of all the projects he has taken on that Kevin puts his whole heart into everything he does.

You can find Turtle Run Farm produce at the Saxapahaw General Store and weekly at the Carrboro Farmers Market.  Look for the “Use-Yer-Foot” hand washing stations at festivals around North Carolina.