Welcome From the Frozen Hillside
Dear Friends,
Warmest January 2026 greetings from LaRue Street Wellness Farm in St. Marys, West Virginia! As winter settles over our 98 acres—freezing the ground, the creek, and occasionally us—we're filled with gratitude and excitement about what's taking shape here along Middle Island Creek.
This is our very first newsletter, and we're thrilled you're part of our founding community.
Our Vision: Where Wellness Meets the Land
LaRue Street Wellness Farm is an emerging nonprofit educational farm and wellness retreat dedicated to promoting health, creativity, and lifelong learning. We welcome everyone—from seniors exploring new creative pursuits to emerging artists honing their craft, from families seeking nature connection to anyone needing space to breathe and restore.
Through hands-on workshops in art, writing, sustainable gardening, mindfulness, yoga, and environmental education, we're creating a space where community and nature intersect. Our 98 acres of West Virginia hillside, forest, and creek access will become your classroom, your studio, your sanctuary.
Winter 2025-26: Building the Foundation (Literally!)
Big progress since October! Here's what's happened on the ground:
✓ Water System Upgrade Complete
Our well team removed the old hand pump and discovered we're sitting on a 41-foot hand-dug well with 33 feet of clean water—a testament to the original LaRue family's craftsmanship from generations past. A water line has been run to the farmhouse for future functionality.
Water Well Fixing
41 Foot Hand Dug Water Well
✓ Gas Line Replaced
While trenching a water line to the farm house, we replaced the gas line with new fittings—no more rust. The farmhouse will have safe, reliable heat for year-round programming.
Gas Line Laying And Water Well
What's Coming: Spring Through Fall 2026
The Historic Barn Transformation
Our next major project is converting the beautiful old barn into flexible program space for:
Yoga and movement classes (imagine morning sun streaming through barn doors!)
Art and writing workshops with natural light and inspiring views
Environmental education sessions
Community gatherings and seasonal celebrations
Meadow Yurts for Overnight Retreats
We're exploring adding two insulated 20-24 ft yurts in the upper meadow for:
Peaceful overnight retreats
Artist residencies
Mindfulness and meditation immersions
A true off-grid experience with solar lighting
Creek Access & Trail Development
We're creating a gentle landing point on Middle Island Creek for kayaking and canoeing, plus developing walking trails through the property for nature walks, and quiet contemplation.
A Note of Gratitude
This farm carries the name LaRue because in 1790, brothers Isaac and Jacob LaRue were the first settlers in this area. They built their lives here along this creek and supported the Revolutionary War by providing meat to soldiers. As their direct descendant, I feel the weight and honor of continuing their legacy of hospitality and service to community.
Since you located the website and joined the email list you to are now part of a story that began over 250 years ago.
Questions? Ideas?
We'd love to hear from you:
📧 Email: LaRueStreetWellnessFarm@gmail.com
With gratitude and excitement,
E. LaRue
Founder & Director
LaRue Street Wellness Farm
St. Marys, West Virginia