TRAILBLAZERS: Andrea Morgan cultivates community through sustainable farming

“Food and land are our common ground,” she said. “No matter our differences, we all eat, and we all need to care about how our food is produced.”

HOYTSVILLE, Utah—Nestled in the rolling landscapes of eastern Summit County, Moonshadow Farm is more than just a place where vegetables grow—it’s a testament to sustainability, stewardship, and the deep roots of one woman’s commitment to the land. The farm’s owner, Andrea Morgan, is working to preserve local agriculture and educate the community about the challenges and rewards of growing food in the Wasatch Back.

Formerly known as Ranui Gardens, the farm was originally founded in 1984 and became the first farm Morgan ever set foot on as a child. Decades later, after gaining farming experience in British Columbia and returning to Utah, she found herself back at the property, first as a volunteer, then as a business owner. In May 2024, she purchased the land and renamed it Moonshadow Farm.

Morgan, who also serves as the farm advisor for Summit Community Gardens, is passionate about strengthening the local food system and fostering a deeper connection between residents and the land they call home. “We need to stop chasing that dollar at every single cost,” she said. “A lot of us know how to recreate on the land, but we don’t really know how to give back to it.”

For Morgan, this sentiment ties directly into the fast-paced growth and commercialization of Park City and Summit County. “There is a lot of work being done to conserve land, but we need to start looking at it in a different way,” she said. “We need to slow down and start understanding what it really takes to grow food in this climate.”

Farming in Summit County presents unique challenges, from a high-altitude growing environment to unpredictable weather patterns. Morgan acknowledges the difficulties of being self-sustaining in this region. “It can freeze every single month of the year, and our soils present a challenge,” she said. “A lot of us start off on land that hasn’t been stewarded well for a long time, and it takes thoughtful effort to regenerate it.”

Despite these challenges, Morgan remains committed to providing fresh, nutrient-dense food to the local community. She hopes to shift public perception about the value of local produce. “People often ask why things are so expensive,” she said. “It’s because we’re not just growing food—we’re growing soil. That’s the first priority for all of us.”

Soil health is central to Morgan’s farming philosophy. “Soil is life. It’s what creates food for us,” she said. “We’re only beginning to understand how much microbiology is at work beneath our feet. Farmers see it, feel it, and work with it every day.”

Through her work, Morgan hopes to shift the community’s perspective on food and farming. “Interacting with your customers and maintaining a direct relationship is fundamental,” she said. “The more people understand the challenges we face, the more they’re willing to support us.”

She is also launching a new initiative at Moonshadow Farm—monthly Friday farm walks and talks, where community members can gather to discuss food, land stewardship, and sustainability. “Food and land are our common ground,” she said. “No matter our differences, we all eat, and we all need to care about how our food is produced.”

When asked about her hopes for the future of Summit County, Morgan’s answer was simple: “Slow down and be thoughtful.”

She encourages newcomers to Park City to learn about the area’s history, including its Indigenous roots, and to foster a genuine connection with the land. “Don’t chase image so much,” she said. “Get to know the land you’re living on and respect it.”

Morgan also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in everyday interactions with the land. “Sometimes, I just go outside, take a breath, and feel where I am,” she said. “If I need to ground even more, I take my shoes off and just feel the earth.”

While her farm’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) program is nearly full for the season, those interested in joining can contact her via Instagram to be placed on a waitlist. As Morgan continues to shape Moonshadow Farm’s future, her dedication to sustainability and education remains at the heart of her work.

For Morgan, the act of farming is more than just a livelihood—it’s a way to cultivate community, one harvest at a time.