BY EVA MAYS
Blueberries are sometimes called a “superfood.” A 2020 study published in Advances in Nutrition stated that due to the phytochemicals they contain, blueberries have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and provide myriad benefits to the vascular and gastrointestinal systems.
“It is widely agreed that the regular consumption of tasty, ripe blueberries can be unconditionally recommended,” the authors wrote.
To promote a healthy lifestyle, John Connolly doesn’t just eat blueberries. He grows them, too. He opened Blueberry Ridge Farm in Fairmont as part of his “healthy aging plan,” with the intention of growing older comfortably while doing something that gives him joy.
“I just always loved growing things,” Connolly said. “I started my first garden when I was 6 years old, in the family vegetable garden. And, as I got older, I learned about different methods of growing organically and as opposed to commercially, I just really took a liking to organics.”
Connolly found a mentor in Bob McConnell, the owner of McConnell Berry Farm in Independence, which was sold in 2018 and is now called Stern’s Berry Farm.
“Bob was a wealth of information about growing blueberries in our area,” said Connolly. “I remember the first conversation I had with him. He said, ‘you can’t grow enough blueberries because people love them so much.’ I really took that to heart.”
After searching for a property where he could explore his interest in organic practices, Connolly settled on a farm at 288 Tom Moran Lane in 2000. He tried several different crops during his first years of ownership, including tomatoes and hot peppers, but the land seemed to be destined for blueberries.
“We actually found some wild blueberries growing in one of the fields when I first purchased the farm,” Connolly said. “And soon it just clicked — I remembered in the back of my mind about what Bob McConnell had said about blueberries. And I thought it would be the perfect, perfect crop.”
Now, with 15 acres planted with over 3,000 blueberry bushes, the property is aptly named Blueberry Ridge Farm. Although the farm is not certified organic, Connolly has been a devotee of organic methods for decades and uses many methods to grow healthy crops without using harsh chemicals.
One such practice is using compost teas.
“We brew seaweed extracts, worm castings and things like that into a tea and apply it to the plants directly,” he said. “Teas are amazing in that a lot of times they supply the missing link in the soil. It allows the fertilizers that we use to be absorbed by the plants and makes the fertilizers more effective, and strengthens the plants’ natural immunities.”
Although in years past Blueberry Ridge has been a vendor at Morgantown-area farmers’ markets, at present the farm operates solely on a u-pick business model.
“We don’t have to deal with all the logistical issues involved with picking the berries, keeping them fresh and getting them to market,” said Connolly. “A blueberry picked fresh off the bush has an incredible flavor and texture that doesn’t compare with berries that have been refrigerated.”
U-pick can also be an experience for families and friends to bond over an enjoyable outdoor experience.
“When people come out to the farm to pick blueberries, everyone’s in a good mood. People just come out, they bring their family, maybe a picnic and spend the day up there.”
Recent years have been unprecedentedly difficult for the farm, with uncooperative weather both damaging the plants and making it difficult for pollinators to do their work. This year, however, seems completely the opposite.
“The fruit has set. We’re just wrapping up the pollination season right now, and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential for this year. I don’t want to count my berries until they’re in the basket,” Connolly laughed,” but it’s looking good.”
Berry pickers should visit the farm prepared with water, hats, sunscreen and whatever else is required to be comfortable while outdoors in the summer heat. The farm provides containers for berries, or patrons can bring their own. After picking, the berries can be brought to the counter to be weighed and purchased (the cost is $4.25/lb.), then taken home to enjoy.
The farm opens for the season on the berries’ schedule. When they are ripe enough to be picked (usually around the first week of July), Connolly posts an announcement on the farm’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/blueberryridgefarms). Those who don’t use social media are welcome to call the farm’s “Blueberry Hotline” at 304-368-8294 to check if the farm is open for pickers.
