Betsy Burton and Mike Whipp started the Lyons Farmette less than a decade ago, and their four acres have quickly grown into an incredibly productive and busy piece of land. Just off of Highway 36 outside of Lyons, the Farmette is at once conveniently located, and tucked away behind giant cottonwood trees, beside a gurgling creek. There, Betsy and Mike tend to their flock of chickens that mingle freely with peacocks, goats, alpaca, Cuzco the llama—and guests. About an acre of the property is dedicated to organically-grown crops: vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers that are destined for the Farmette's 50-member CSA as well as farmers' markets and local restaurants. The carefully-tended grounds are a popular setting for weddings and farm dinners. As a true community education center, the Farmette hosts workshops and classes centered around environmental sustainability, Participants can learn anything from beekeeping and gardening to fermenting fresh foods and wood fire cooking.