In 2024, Mountain Oasis established itself as a local source for microgreens, vegetables, succulents and much more, bringing a new fresh and local produce business to the community.
This nursery has already made a significant impact, partnering with local restaurants and fulfilling community support through philanthropic efforts.
Founded by Keith Willabus, the master gardener, and Robert Zukowski, the business and production manager, Mountain Oasis is a business born out of a passion for sustainable and healthy living along with a strong desire to give to others.
Willabus, a former nurse, and Zukowski, with a background in farming and transportation business, combined their expertise to create a business that not only gives Estes Park local fresh greens but also serves as a place for those less fortunate to have access to food they did not have as an option previously.
While many of us kept ourselves busy during the pandemic finding new ways to bake bread, learn new hobbies or train for a sport – Willabus put himself through CSU’s master gardener program to further advance his existing passion for growing plants of all kinds.
Feeling burnt out and exhausted from nursing during the pandemic in New York, Willabus knew he needed to reinvent what his next phase would look like.
“You have to have a passion for what you are doing,” says Willabus. “We live very beautifully here in Estes Park, why is it we don’t have access to eat well? I want to fill that hole and help the community.”
Willabus further stated that the population in Estes Park varies in income levels and he feels strongly that those in a lower income bracket should never feel that they can’t eat well.
The journey to opening Mountain Oasis started with a love for growing and with a basement full of starter plants. Soon that progressed to the property now occupied at 487 Pine River Lane.
When you approach the property at Mountain Oasis, you will see a variety of microgreens, veggies, plants and flowers that fill the green houses and the surrounding land. One thing that really sets Mountain Oasis apart is its dedication to philanthropy. Within weeks of opening, Willabus and Zukowski began donating fresh produce to Crossroads Ministries of Estes Park. “Our goal is to make a positive impact on the community,” explains Willabus. “We believe that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food, and we’re doing our part to make that a reality.”
Partnering with Local Flavors
Mountain Oasis has started to partner with a couple of local restaurants, including Bird and Jim. Chef Thomas Newsted, head chef at Bird and Jim appreciates having another source for fresh greens to incorporate into their dishes.
“The relationship with Keith has been good,” says Newsted. So far Bird and Jim sources lemon balm and lemon basil from Mountain Oasis to enhance the flavor of some of their dishes. These partnerships highlight the importance of supporting local businesses in addition to the benefits to the restaurants.
Mountain Oasis has no intention of stopping here; Willabus and Zukowski have big plans for the upcoming year. They aim to expand their produce to pumpkins, sweet corn and other fall goodies, introduce some educational workshops such as classes to take care of your plants and winterizing your plants, and coming up soon in September they are working with a local architect to build a geodesic dome. The dome will take the place of one of the existing green house and will be custom built to their needs.
“This will be a safe place for people to gather, spread a blanket by the river and enjoy time together,” says Willabus. They also have a stealthy selection of calla lilies that will be available for weddings. Amongst the selection are black calla lilies which do tend to be rare finds.
For locals looking to experience the freshness of Mountain Oasis firsthand, the nursery is open to the public. Visitors can purchase a variety of microgreens, vegetables, and calla lilies directly from the nursery.
For further information on Mountain Oasis, visit their website at https://mtnoasisnurseries.com/ .
Follow the Estes Valley Voice Calendar of Events for upcoming community events.
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