Frank and Libby Ruljancich of Bright Ridge Farm are the first Conservation Partner in the Kootenay Region. The 13-acre Bright Ridge Farm is located west of Castlegar near the community of Deer Park. The property is nestled amongst ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and bunchgrass. The warm dry climate of the valley provides ideal growing conditions for their pear, plum, peach, apricot, apple, and nut trees, as well as berries, legumes, and an assortment of other common and rare fruits and vegetables.
With over 33 years of homesteading under their belts, the Ruljanciches have acquired the skills that allow them to live from and tread lightly on the land. A testament to their skills, Frank and Libby remain off the main power grid and manage to grow and process almost all of their own food. Their 900-sqft earth-sheltered home was built almost completely out of recycled material, and is powered by micro-hydro. As part of their partnership with TLC, Bright Ridge Farms hopes to share this knowledge, skills, and experience with others.
Doing just this, Frank and Libby offer a unique gardening course called Growing Through the Seasons which teaches the art and science of growing organic fruits and vegetables. With gardens, orchards, and forest woven into their property, there is no shortage of natural classroom to teach rural living skills to the surrounding community.
Bright Ridge Farm demonstrates the innovative potential for sustainable living. Although this lifestyle requires hard work and a passion for simplicity, Frank and Libby are dedicated.
