Education

Learning as we grow

We provide learning opportunities to inspire personal connection to our food sources, share regenerative farming practices, and grow the next generation of sustainable farmers and mindful eaters.

From curriculum-based programs at Sweet Beet Farm with hands-on opportunities to explore the farm and forest ecosystems, to career readiness training for aspiring farmers, our goal is to nurture a community of learners as they form connections with our life-affirming local food system.

Explore programs for students of all ages, from the first grade through college and into adulthood!

  • Adult Education

    We welcome adults of all ages to experience the magic of local food and farming! Come for a tour on Sweet Beet Farm, volunteer alongside our farmers, or our follow along our gardening education online!

  • Kids Education

    Experiences designed to get kids and teenagers on the farm and into the forest; immersed in the ecosystems that sustain us. From preschoolers to highschoolers, find the right opportunity for your child, classroom, or homeschool group.

  • Farmer Apprenticeship

    We offer a paid internship program, designed to support new and aspiring farmers by providing access to land, education, markets, community, and mentorship.

All of our programs are:

  • Experiential

    Because we believe the most powerful learning comes from direct experiences, challenges, and reflection.

  • Holistic

    Because we seek to educate the whole student, including addressing emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs in an integrated manner.

  • Inclusive

    Because we believe in the value of diversity and the rights of students to a learning experience that suits their individual needs.

  • Rooted in nature

    Because we believe that, as part of nature ourselves, the natural world is our first, and most foundational, classroom—where we can truly become ourselves.

A philosophy of learning

All of our education programs are guided by four teaching themes: Growing Food, Food as Medicine, Ecological Learning, and Nature-Based Self-Care.

We believe that by focusing on these four themes, we can help our students not only be successful farmers or food system workers, but happy, healthy community members.

We focus on more than simply knowing how to grow food using efficient techniques; we teach students how to create healthful meals using fresh, in-season vegetables, how to practice self-care techniques (such as whole-body stretches to relieve tension in the body), and how to farm–or garden, or simply enjoy nature—along with the natural systems that sustain us in order to bolster not only farm spaces, but the wider ecosystem. 

Support this vital work today.