Wood River Sustainability Center: Hailey, Idaho
In a quaint barn in Hailey, Idaho, the Wood River Sustainability Center is busy bringing delicious steaks, ground beef, salmon, spare ribs, breads, fresh veggies and much more to the Sun Valley community. The dream of Melinda and Dick Springs, who also operate a local farm, the center is more than just “a year round indoor farmers’ market.” Indeed, the center offers classes on garden preparation (a challenge in the growing area), as well as looking to offer classes in food dehydration, smoking, freezing, canning, root cellaring and lactic fermentation techniques from local chefs and other experts in the near future. Currently opened Wednesday-Friday noon to 5pm, and Saturdays 10am to 5pm, the Springs invite you to peruse the center and taste some of the freshest locally grown foods available, from kale to black bread croutons, sweet potato rolls, salad mixes, sprouts, strawberry rhubarb galettes, gluten-free breads and locally caught trout too!
Listen to more sustainability advice from Sun Valley’s local expert, Dick Springs on ConciergeQ Conversations with Chantal Westerman!
The Concierge Questionnaire: Richard Springs, Owner
What is your favorite word to describe Hailey? Idyllic.
What word best reflects the people of Hailey? Eclectic... people have differing backgrounds.
What is the most creative, spiritual or emotional place in Hailey?
It will be the newly renovated rodeo grounds.
The Hailey Rodeo Park, a multi-use arena, is scheduled for completion by this Fourth of July, just in time for the annual Sawtooth Rangers Days of the Old West Rodeo!
What is your favorite outdoor activity in Hailey?
Fishing, hockey, skiing... It's hard to pick one. The fishing in the Big Wood is excellent catch and release fishing. There are many good holes within minutes of town. I actually prefer the small streams high in the mountains where you get the whole stream to yourself all day. Such places can be accessed from Hailey.
I play hockey, and I coach an adult women's team as well. While I currently play in Sun Valley, I look forward to playing on the new rink being built at the rodeo grounds. We have had an outdoor rink in Hailey for many years.
What is your favorite indoor activity in Hailey? Going to the movies. I like light hearted feel good movies.
What is your favorite sound or noise in Hailey?
The gurgling of the river.
The Big Wood River runs through Sun Valley and Hailey, before joining the Snake River in Hagerman, Idaho.
What is your favorite smell or taste in Hailey?
Freshly mowed hay on the town's outskirts.
What drink best reflects Hailey?
Iced tea in the summer and a latte in the winter.
What song or type of music best reflects Hailey?
Old time rock and roll.
Please visit SunValleyOnline.com for Hailey's current music schedule!
If Heaven were Hailey, what would God say to a visitor when they arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome to Heaven!
Wood River Sustainability Center: Hailey, Idaho • 308 South River Street, Hailey, Idaho • Phone: 208-309-3360
