Greenbank Farm Programs
Our community has defined four areas of focus which are important to them:
- Local Commerce;
- Agriculture;
- Recreation;
- Natural Resource Stewardship.
We are building programs that teach by example that:
- environmental stewardship is a necessary part of sustainable agriculture and commerce
- agriculture is a necessary part of a healthy economy
- nutritious food is a necessary part of a healthy life, made healthier by outdoor recreation
- and that community is what keeps it all in balance.
Our programs point to the diversity and complexity of Greenbank Farm! We have
- a formal 7 ½ month residential education program for new farmers,
- community education classes taught primarily by volunteers,
- informal education opportunities to engage in across the farm,
- unstructured recreational opportunities out in the fields (for you and your dogs!),
- a village of carefully selected privately owned small businesses
- collaborative events co-hosted with our merchants, tenants, and community
We hope they help you find and develop your own sense of place while you’re here.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Recent successes
Acquiring the Agriculture Training Center, which provides ongoing education for new and established farmers as well as our 7-month residential program which teaches students how to run a successful small scale organic farm. The creation of the Community School, which invites members of the public to share their expertise with other community members through low-cost classes.
Current challenges
Much of our current energy is focused around surface water education involving rainwater catchment, rain gardens, and other educational programs.