Charlie Watt is the owner and operator of Home Coming Seeds, an open-pollinated seed farm specializing in vegetable, flower and herb seeds with a focus on bioregional adaptation. 

Charlie was hired in May of 2023 to manage the Montpelier Community Feast Farm, a no-till farm run by the Parks and Trees Department in collaboration with Montpelier's Community Services Department. They grow fresh, healthy produce for food-insecure neighbors in Montpelier.

The Feast Farm was located at the convergence of the Winooski River and the Stevens Branch between Barre and Montpelier Vermont. Two month after Charlie was hired, on July 10 & 11, 2023 over 12 inches of rain fell, causing the river to crest approximately 21.29 feet. The Feast Farm, as well as much of the infrastructure, businesses, landscapes and homes of central Vermont were permanently impacted.

Over the next year, straddled with decreasing resources and increasing hydrological pressure, the Parks Department was still able to serve as first response to the flood disaster (as a key partner in Montpelier’s central flood response hub), organize community events to build relationships and increase capacity, AND reestablish their farm at a new, city-owned location, a couple hundred feet above the flood plain on Country Club Road. I was amazed to see how quickly they established their farm and organized conversation abouit potential reuse of this location

Charlie has moved onto the next chapter in his life, which is a farm-based seed company called Home Coming Seeds. a seed company located in Northfield Vermont. Charlie and his family have made quick progress establishing the initial growing area, constructing support structures around the farm, launching the company and preparing to launch their catalog in 2026.

Energy is still gathering around the Country Club Road Property and a recent design excercisse generated a varity of visions which you can review at Vision Montpelier.

Music for this Podcast - "Grandfather Mountain" by Railroad Earth.

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