You may have driven past the big blue sign on Rt. 202 heading toward Windham, many times without realizing that you just passed Gorham’s very own alpaca farm run by local residents and farmers Terilyn Lopez and Dave Brower. Gorham has a rich, local farming community that is to be admired with its rolling hills and local produce available at farmer’s markets and grocery stores. But not everyone has put faces to the land or imagined alpacas roaming just outside of one of our most traveled “back roads.”

Terilyn and Dave were kind enough to invite the Gorham Times to visit Alpacas at Holistic Farms early this fall. One is immediately struck by their passion for their land, their crops, and their affection for their beloved alpacas. In a world where we are so often motivated by immediate gratification, this is a timely reminder that passion and patience can be rewarded when you least expect it.

Terilyn first discovered her love of alpacas in the 1970’s, as well as her love for all things animal and farming. Acquiring even one alpaca during that decade was an astronomical financial commitment, and Terilyn would soon learn that with one alpaca come others. She explained that alpacas are herd animals and need each other to thrive. So, with that dream on hold, life went forward.

Fast forward to retirement. Dave, with his extensive background in engineering and an always inquisitive mind for sustainability and permaculture, began to hatch plans to restore a local barn and begin a farm with Terilyn. As this plan began to take root, it was Dave who learned of two alpacas available for purchase via Craig’s List. Imagine Terilyn’s surprise and joy. Annie and Harley soon joined the farm and from there, things on the farm have been nonstop and growing.

Terilyn and Dave purchased their property in 2019, welcomed Annie and Harley in 2021, and have worked the once overgrown land into a developing farm with what seems like endless plans. They currently cultivate a large blueberry crop, fruit trees, and an annual garden. Terilyn has learned to spin and weave from fibers produced by the alpacas and hopes to eventually be able to offer products in a future farm stand or store. Dave has plans to install a self-sustaining windmill on the nearly 8-acre property.

All of this is nothing to speak of the already 1,000-foot hand-dug trench to a newly revealed pond that had been overgrown over the years. Dave’s interests in metal sharpening and woodwork and Terilyn’s hopes to bring the alpacas to shows and continue to welcome new cria (baby alpacas) keep them busy, but, more than that, they are energized, fulfilled, and a true gift to the Gorham community.

Only recently has Alpacas at Holistic Farms been prepared to welcome guests in small groups. The Gorham Times is fortunate to have been among the first to be included in what proved to be a most educational, inspiring, and fun visit for a multi-aged group. After meeting sweet Rosie, Ebony, and Shaniqua who, according to one young person on the tour, are “the softest things [he has] ever felt,” we are certain we will not be the farm’s last visitors. Learn more about Terilyn, Dave and the alpaca herd at holisticfarms.org/animals.