Meet Our Founders
About Riviera Farms
Originally established in 1975 by Knute and Gloria Quvale, Riviera Farms has deep roots in the Borrego Springs community. After years of sitting quiet, we’re honored to breathe new life into this historic 22-acre property—restoring it with care, creativity, and a lot of hard work.
Together, we’ve taken on the rewarding challenge of revitalizing the land, raising happy, free-ranging hens, and creating a home for rescued animals. Our vision blends tradition with renewal, with every step rooted in sustainability, compassion, and a love for the desert we now call home.
Riviera Farms is more than just a working farm—it’s a living, evolving story. What started as a bold leap from the fast-paced world of action sports has become a shared purpose. After exploring different paths, Chad has chosen to stay fully in the journey. His creativity, grit, and passion remain an integral part of everything we’re building together.
From sunrise feedings to late-night planning, we’re growing Riviera Farms with heart and hustle. It’s a labor of love—full of scraped knees, sun-drenched days, and moments of pure magic. We’re learning, laughing, falling down, getting back up, and building something meaningful, side by side.
Welcome to Riviera Farms—where every animal has a name, every egg has a story, and every visitor is part of the family.
Keep your eyes to the sky and never glued to your shoes. —Mac Miller
Riviera Farms: Cultivating Growth with Sustainability
At Riviera Farms, we are committed to creating a sustainable future by reusing resources and revitalizing our land. One of our key initiatives is repurposing downed Tamarisk trees scattered across our property. These invasive trees have become a serious threat to riparian areas across the nation, including Borrego Springs, where thousands of Tamarisk trees have fallen. By transforming them into valuable lumber, we not only address this environmental challenge but also construct new outbuildings and restore growth throughout the farm.
Why Tamarisk Removal Matters
Tamarisk, also known as saltcedar, outcompetes native vegetation and depletes vital water resources. A single large Tamarisk can transpire up to 300 gallons of water daily, posing a significant strain on arid regions like ours. By repurposing downed Tamarisk, we not only prevent this invasive species from returning but also contribute to the ecological balance of our community.
Stop Wasting Resources
Instead of sending Tamarisk wood to landfills, we mill it into lumber, extending its lifecycle and enabling it to continue sequestering carbon for decades. This sustainable approach significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, preventing methane release—a gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide—caused by decomposing wood in landfills.
Teach Sustainable Practices
Education is at the heart of our mission. By showcasing how we repurpose invasive species like Tamarisk, we inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. Urban forestry plays a vital role in resource management, and we aim to empower communities with the knowledge to implement these solutions.
Plan for the Future
At Riviera Farms, we believe in thoughtful planning and innovative solutions to foster long-term growth. By collaborating with local partners, addressing environmental challenges, and focusing on regeneration, we’re building a greener, more sustainable future for Borrego Springs and beyond.
Join us in reducing waste, restoring balance, and creating a thriving future through sustainable practices.
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