Northeast Organic/Sustainable Agriculture Education DirectoryThe Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) maintains this directory as a service to individuals seeking to learn more about organic/sustainable agricultural methods in our region. Programs that can be of service to such people by giving them some form of education or training in applicable methods are listed here. We understand that this is not a comprehensive directory and will try to update it periodically. If you have a program that you feel should be listed here contact us and we will consider adding it at the time of the next update. However, all listings here are NOFA's responsibility and NOFA ultimately decides what and how the programs are listed. We hope this directory is of service to you in furthering the spread of knowledge about organic and sustainable growing methods. If you are interested in these issues, you may well be interested in some of the other programs NOFA offers: publications, videos, conferences, farm certification, and more. Please check out the page of NOFA Chapters if you would like more information about NOFA, including membership rates and location of the chapter nearest you. Agricultural Education Directory Massachusetts Center for Ecological
Technology
Since 1976, the Center for Ecological Technology (CET), a non profit organization, has been making it easier to live more lightly on the land. CET promotes recycling, composting, hazardous waste reduction, buying recycled, energy efficiency, and clean energy technologies in order to protect the air we breathe and the water that sustains our communities. Of special interest to farmers, we promote composting to schools, farms, and businesses. CET also assists farmers with reducing their energy load and exploring the viability of renewable energy technologies as part of the farm sustainability. Other services include: The Massachusetts Materials Exchange; Business Office Paper Recycling Services; sales of recycled content paper; the ReStore Home Improvement Center; public education and programs to collect hazardous products and promote less toxic alternatives; environmental education in schools, telephone hot line, information and referral. CET serves western Massachusetts and other areas in the region and nation. Programs are usually free and serve all ages. CET operates year round and its hours are 9-5. Learn more at www.CETonline.org The Food Project Institute Our mission is to grow a thoughtful and productive community of youth and adults
from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system.
We produce healthy food for residents of the city and suburbs and provide youth
leadership opportunities. Most importantly, we strive to inspire
and support others to create change in their own communities. Heifer International - Overlook Farm Overlook Farm serves as Heifer International's Northeast education center. The farm supports the work of the non-profit development organization's efforts to alleviate hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation through a variety of education programs. Overlook contains a "global village" in which each site demonstrates the unique relationship between people, land, and livestock specific to a particular region and/or culture of the world and how integrated land and livestock management, along with appropriate technology can improve the lives of limited resource families. The farm has two acres of certified organic vegetables, 30 acres of pasture managed by intensive grazing, 240 acres of woodlands, and more than 20 species of livestock. Overlook offers field trips, ½ day, full day, and multi-day educational programs. Drop-in visitors are welcome and seasonal special events are held throughout the year, Brochures are available. New Entry Sustainable Farming Project Founded in 1998, the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP) helps people who have an interest in farming start up commercial agricultural enterprises in Massachusetts. NESFP has a comprehensive strategy that includes training in farm business planning and organic crop production, access to farmland, and one-on-one technical assistance. NESFP operates a year-round training program which includes an 8-week classroom-based training, focused on farm business planning and marketing, and a 12-week field-based training series, focused on organic crop production. Training also includes field trips to regional farms and agricultural suppliers. The training farm program provides new entry farmers with access to up to an acre of land to begin implementing their business and marketing plans. Participants may lease land at a training farm until they are ready to transition to an independently leased farm. Weekly site visits and monthly field-based workshops during the growing season provide production support and introduce growers to new techniques and technologies. NESFP also links farmers to marketing opportunities, such as through its World Peas farmers' cooperative, and in some areas NESFP farmers have revitalized local farmers' markets by supplying fresh specialty vegetables, herbs and other products which are highly desired by consumers with diverse ethnic backgrounds. Other services offered by NESFP include assistance in finding jobs on farms; assistance in locating farmland in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire; a lending library of agricultural books, CDs, and movies; and a CSA (community supported agriculture) program, provided through the World Peas Coop. Lands Sake Lands Sake is a private non-profit dedicated to sustainable land management and environmental education. It has been in existence since 1980. It is certified organic. Financing comes from membership, sales and grants. Out of 60 acres, 25 are in production. Tractors are used. Lands Sake has a series of natural history programs, a Green Power program where 40 middle school students work a half-day for the full summer for a small stipend, a kindergarten change of season program. It is affiliated with several environmental programs, including one at Weston High School. The season runs from mid-June to October and hours are 10-6. Annual events include the Strawberry Fest and Harvest Fest. A newsletter is published occasionally. Internships are available but there are no living facilities. Literature is available on request with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mass Audubon Society at
Drumlin Farm Drumlin Farm is one of forty Massachusetts Audubon sanctuaries and is the only one with a working farm. It has been in existence since 1955. Financing is generated from membership, program fees, farm sales, donations, and grants. Total acreage is 232, with 12 acres in vegetable/cover crops, 20 acres in hay production and the remainder in farmyard, pasture, and woodlot. It has an organic focus on vegetables and animals. A farm stand is on the premises. Drumlin has assorted workshops and programs in farming, ecology, and natural history. Cost is free for Mass Audubon members; general admission costs $6 for adults and $4 for children. Program costs vary. It is open year round 9-5 with winter hours of 9-4. Annual events include Birdathon and many festivals and events that vary from year to year. The program catalog comes out three times a year. Other brochures on education programs are available. Natick Community Organic Farm Founded in 1974, The Natick Community Organic Farm is a non-profit, certified organic farm providing productive open space, food to the public and hands-on education for all ages, year-round. Committed to farming methods that are ecologically healthy and sustainable, the farm places special emphasis on service to youth through year-round classes, work-experience programs, and volunteer opportunities for working the land. Year round programs are geared for all ages; children 3 - 15 years old, adult programs, home schooling and volunteer opportunities. Internships are available. The Farm is open to the public year round during daylight hours. The Farm is staffed Monday through Friday for volunteering opportunities, self guided tours and purchases. Products are available at the Farm's Route 16 farm stand, the Market Stand and the Saturday Natick farmer's market (June - October). Annual events include Spring Fest & Seedling Sale, Harvest Fest, Maple Sugaring and Annual Pancake Breakfast. Products include certified organic vegetables, herbs and small fruits, certified organic vegetable seedlings and flowers, livestock, eggs, honey, maple syrup, yarn and organically raised beef, pork, chicken and turkeys. Publications available from the farm are a brochure, a children's book, a manual on starting a community farm, and quarterly newsletter. The Farm's website located at www.natickfarm.org has the farm's programs, membership information, a history of the farm etc. Please feel free to browse at your convenience. New
England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) The New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1978. Our mission is to encourage and support agricultural practices and policies that enhance the environment and promote the viability of our region’s small farms. Our Small Farm Development Center offers a systems approach to small farm “career” development. Its peer-guided programs and services target the needs of people seeking to identify and acquire the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed as small farm operators, and include:
Our work is supported by innovative economic development and farmer-guided research projects, and by a broad range of advocacy and leadership development activities. In addition, we host and participate in special grant-funded, time-limited projects and partnership programs that advance our mission and program goals. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
(NESAWG) The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) is a regional network of seventy member organizations in the twelve Northeast states -- from Maine to West Virginia. Founded in 1992, its purpose is to build a sustainable and secure regional food and agriculture system. Its mission is to strengthen the work of its members by providing active support and assistance in achieving shared food system goals. NESAWG focuses on farm economic viability and food system economic development, natural resource conservation and enhancement, community food systems and food security, and food 'citizenship'. NESAWG addresses these areas through: 1) public policy reform and development 2) professional training and education 3) accountability on the part of our publicly funded institutions 4) public education and 5) member services and capacity building. Old Sturbridge Village
Dept of Education and
Public Programs Soule Homestead Education Center Founded in 1991, Soule Homestead Education Center is a non-profit agro-environmental education center and working organic farm. Soule Homestead is open year round, free to the public, 9 - 5 Tuesday thru Sunday.
We feature children's field trips, birthday parties, adult workshops and these special events: We have 4 farming operations on the property: 2 organic vegetable growers, 1 person raising grass fed beef and 1 sheep dog trainer.
Volunteers are always welcome. Stockbridge School of
Agriculture. The Stockbridge School of Agriculture is an associate of science degree program with six majors: Arboriculture, Equine Industries, Fruit and Vegetable Crops, Horticulture, Landscape Contracting, and Turfgrass Management. The school is affiliated with UMass Amherst where students may pursue related bachelor degree programs. The Plant and Soil Science major includes an option in Sustainable Agriculture. High school graduates and beyond are eligible to apply. Full-time tuition (in-state) and fees $6,482. New England Regional tuition and fees $7,339. Out of State tuition and fees $15,335. Room and Board $5,473. The season consists of two semesters per year, five-month internships. Hours are day classes. Federal financial aid and scholarships are available. Annual events include a spring and fall open house and a February Job Fair. Individual appointments can be made all year. Information and application are available upon request. CONNECTICUT New
Haven Ecology Project, Inc The New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. (NHEP) was founded in 1990 by a number of local educators seeking to promote and provide environmental education to residents in the greater New Haven area. The organization's mission is to cultivate habits of healthy living and sustainable environmental practices for a diverse community of children, adults and families. NHEP accomplishes this mission by operating Common Ground High School, a public charter school with a focus on the environment and the academic foundation for post-secondary education. It offers environmental education programs and demonstrates environmentally appropriate practices for the general community and maintains an organic farm while also managing the forested land of the site. In addition to the high school, current programs include the Common Ground 21st Century Community Learning Center offering educational programs for students and families during non-school hours; after school science programs for middle school students; educational farm tours for visiting groups of all ages; summer Ecology Camp for middle school students; summer Science Academy for high school girls; summer vocational and technical job training for high school students; Saturday programs featuring crafts, animals, gardens, nature, food and healthy living; and employment opportunities for high school students. All of the New Haven Ecology Project's programs are held on the organization's 20-acre farm site at the base of West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven, CT. MAINE Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association
(MOFGA) MOFGA is a 3000+ member non-profit education organization whose purpose is to promote organic agriculture at all levels from the farm and garden through the consumer. It has been in existence for 28 years. Financing comes from an annual event; the Common Ground Fair, membership, donations, grants and publication sales. MOFGA has a year round season and hours are Monday -Friday from 8-4. MOFGA's biggest program, the Common Ground Fair, usually the 3rd weekend after Labor Day, is usually attended by more than 50,000 people. MOFGA also has a Farmer-to-Farmer Conference. MOFGA offers organic certification, an apprenticeship program where farms and prospective applicants are matched, and the Maine organic farm and garden education program. A full time staff person provides technical assistance and bulletins at different levels for various people. There are also five active county chapters in the counties of Androscoggin, Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Sagadahock. MOFGA publishes a quarterly "Maine Organic Farmer and Gardener." Literature is available by request with a self-addressed stamped envelope. NEW HAMPSHIRE Stonewall
Farm Stonewall Farm is dedicated to promoting local agriculture and stewardship of natural resources. We are committed to maintaining our small farm as a vital part of the community through public involvement and the use of historic and modern practices. The Farm has been a nonprofit organization since 1994. Farm operations include dairy, draft horses, sugaring, organic SCA garden, and various small livestock on 123 acres in conservation easements and forestry plans. Education programs serve 7000 school children in grades PK - 6 on topics ranging from farm operations to history of farm life to natural history and ecology. Summer camps, workshops, special events, facility rentals and casual visitation formats serve 12,000 visitors each year. The site is open to visitors every day, with the Learning Center open M-F, 8:30-4:30, Sat. 10-3. Public programs are announced in a quarterly newsletter. Education internships are offered year-round, while agricultural internships are available seasonally. See www.stonewallfarm.org for openings and additional information. NEW JERSEY Genesis Farm
Learning Center
with CSA Genesis Farm is a project of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, NJ, and explores the Universe Story as the basis for founding an ecological era. It offers courses of varying length (10 days to 12 weeks) in Earth Literacy. Academic credit is available for these courses. The farm offers seasonal equinox and solstice celebrations, cooking classes, discussion groups, and other programs for people in the local community. The community-supported garden at Genesis Farm was founded in 1988. It is cultivated bio-dynamically, and supports over 150 shareholders. An annual calendar of events and brochure with more information on Earth Literacy courses are available upon request. NEW YORK Stony Kill
Farm Environmental Education Center
Stony Kill Environmental Education Center is 756-acre facility owned and operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Over 7 miles of hiking trails take you through woodlands, meadows, pasture, ponds, and vernal pools. It has been in existence for 28 years. Financing comes from NY State and Stony Kill Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. Open year round, Stony Kill offers programs for the general public, school and youth groups, and teacher training workshops. You can rent a garden plot, order birdseed and tree seedlings. Annual events are the Harvest Festival, Sleigh Rally, Earth Day, Butterfly Festival, and Maple Sugaring. 90 acres are in production. Livestock on site are cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. Internships are available seasonally. Many programs are free; some minimal fees apply. Hours are Monday -Friday, 8:30- 4:45, Saturday 9:30- 12:30, Sunday 1-4 pm. "The Almanac," is a free quarterly newsletter. Literature is available by request. VERMONT Food Works at Two Rivers
Center Food Works is a partner with NOFA VT and Shelburne Farms in the VT FEED (food education every day) program that is developing the three C's of food education, C-classroom based food education, C-cafeteria based food education-including local purchasing, C-community connections via local farms and food producers. The Mountain School of
Milton Academy The Mountain School of Milton Academy is a one-semester program for high school juniors. Forty-five high achieving students from private and public schools throughout the United States spend four months on our 300-acre working organic farm in Vermont. These students are challenged to work together and learn from each other as they explore the intersection of the school’s farm, academic program, and residential life. Each semester students participate in making important decisions concerning how we live together and manage the farm. Courses provide a demanding, integrated learning experience that takes full advantage of the farm and the school's small size. NOFA VT The Farm to school mentor program was started in 1999 to expand agricultural awareness and education by developing a community understanding of agriculture and to develop ongoing relationships between schools and their local farms. Farm to School mentors are farmers and educators who facilitate links between other farmers, gardeners, educators, children and community members. Each mentor receives a salary of $2,500 per year. The program was partly funded by SARE. Shelburne Farms - Education Center Established in 1972 as a non-profit educational organization, Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre farm and forest, is dedicated to cultivating a conservation ethic. The mission of Shelburne Farms is to teach the stewardship of natural and agricultural resources; practice rural land use that is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable and care for and share an historic landmark of exceptional natural and agricultural beauty. Programs are designed to increase awareness and appreciation of natural and agricultural resources and the working landscape, and to inspire stewardship. Originally built in 1886, Shelburne Farms continues today as a working dairy and cheese making operation producing award winning farmhouse cheddar cheese. Shelburne Farms offers a wide range of school and family programs, guided tours and special events. The education programs include agricultural and natural resource education field trips, vacation day programs, summer camps, an “Adventures” program for preschoolers, an apprenticeship/internship program, Children’s Farmyard, family programs and educator training programs. Smokey House
Center Since 1974, middle and high school students have come to our 5,000 acre outdoor classroom, to do farming, forestry, and ecological research -- learning in the process, science, math, ecology, communications, reading, writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, responsibility and teamwork. We offer two applied-learning programs -- our Youthwork Program for at-risk high school students and our Environmental Field Studies Program for mainstream middle and high school students. Sterling College Located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Sterling College is an accredited, environmentally focused college offering the Bachelor of Arts degree. Majors include Northern Studies, Sustainable Agriculture, Outdoor Education and Leadership, and Wildlands Ecology and Management. Experiential learning enhances the traditional academic curriculum. The college offers a comprehensive internship program and international field study opportunities. With a maximum enrollment of 130 and participation in the federally funded Work College Consortium, Sterling College provides a community based learning environment. The Sterling College Farm consists of solar and wind-powered barns, diversified livestock, 17 plus acres of pastures, about 1 acre of organic vegetable gardens, fruit and herb production, a moveable hoop-house and a small greenhouse. Sterling’s Summer Farm Semester is a six-credit, 10-week intensive program in sustainable agriculture open to Sterling College students, students from other colleges, and individuals. Students and participants build agricultural skills, explore local enterprises, and delve into broader food and agriculture issues. Internships in general diversified farming, as well as teaching fellowships are also available. Interns receive a stipend for their work. Visit our website for more information about Sterling College and the Summer Farm Semester. University of Vermont Center for
Sustainable
Agriculture The Center is an extension agent for the UVM system and helps to bring the university and community together to foster an understanding of agricultural issues that will lead to personal, institutional, organizational, and community decisions that encourage farming in Vermont. The Center promotes sustainable agriculture as a farming system that is profitable, protects environmental quality, provide consumers with affordable, high-quality products, while enhancing the quality of life for farmers and rural communities, and last for generations to come. It has been in existence for 10 years. Financing comes from grants, program fees and private donations. Costs and hours are program specific. Annual events include conferences, workshops and farm tours. A quarterly newsletter, "Cultivating Connections," is available, along with books, conference proceedings, fact sheets and videos available for purchase. A complete listing is available on our website. Outside of New England The Edible Schoolyard MLK Jr.
Middle School The Edible Schoolyard, in collaboration with Martin Luther King Junior Middle School, provides urban public school students with a one-acre organic garden and a kitchen classroom. Using food systems as a unifying concept, students learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare nutritious seasonal produce. Experiences in the kitchen and garden foster a better understanding of how the natural world sustains us, and promote the environmental and social well being of our school community. Project Sustaining Our
Agricultural Resources (SOAR) This is a high school level program for experimental learning inn sustainable agriculture and food systems. An introductory module was pilot tested in 13 Iowa high schools in May 2002. Titled Sustainable Agriculture Basics, the plot is designed to take five classroom hours. Free lessons, activities, and resources are on the web. SARE Since 1988, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has helped advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. The program, part of USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, funds projects and conducts outreach designed to improve agricultural systems. Appalachian Sustainable
Agriculture Project The Project is a non-profit organization that supports farmers and rural communities in the mountains of western North Carolina and the southern Appalachians by providing education, mentoring, promotion, web resources, and community and policy development. Our mission is to create and expand regional community-based and integrated food systems that are locally owned and controlled, environmentally sound, economically viable and health-promoting. Our vision is a future food system throughout the mountains of North Carolina and the southern Appalachians that provides a safe and nutritious food supply for all segments of society; that is produced, marketed and distributed in a manner that enhances human and environmental health; and that adds economic and social value to rural and urban communities. Garden
Raised Bounty We are a grassroots non-profit organization located in Thurston & Mason Counties, Washington State. We dedicate ourselves to nourishing community by empowering people to grow good food.
This page was last modified on January 28, 2008 at 6:14:14 PM. |
