Farm Educator's Roadmap®

What started with three middle-school boys and a classroom inside a converted school bus has grown into Earth School Hawaiʻi , a nature-based learning community on the island of Kauaʻi . Founder Christina Zimmerman never planned to start a school. She was teaching sixth grade in the public school system when a few families asked her to homeschool their children. One year led to another, more families wanted in, and before long she was hiring teachers, renting classrooms, and building an entirely different kind of educational program. Today, Earth School combines academics with gardening, herbal studies, beekeeping, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning throughout the island. Students work alongside local farmers and conservation organizations, returning regularly to help tend gardens, care for the land, and learn firsthand what it takes to grow food and support their community. In this episode, Christina shares how Earth School operates, how she's built relationships with other organizations instead of trying to provide every experience herself, and what it's taken to grow from a small homeschool group into a nonprofit school. We also talk about the realities of staffing, fundraising, keeping tuition affordable, and her plans for a permanent campus that will open even more opportunities for children and families. You'll hear: How three homeschooled students and a converted school bus became the beginning of Earth School Hawaiʻi. How Christina combines traditional academics with project-based learning, outdoor exploration, and student interests. How children learn about medicinal plants, beekeeping, gardening, and food production through hands-on experiences. How Earth School builds ongoing partnerships with farmers, conservation groups, and other organizations across Kauaʻi, and what it takes to coordinate them. Why students aren't just visiting farms and gardens, but returning to help with the actual work of caring for the land. How Christina manages the responsibilities of running a nonprofit school, from staffing and fundraising to keeping tuition affordable. How Earth School grew an Instagram following of around 20,000 people, and why Christina sees social media as a way to share her educational model with others. What's driving the plans for a permanent campus, and how Christina hopes it will expand educational opportunities for the whole community. Learn more about: Earth School Hawaiʻi 🌐 Website: EarthSchoolHawaii.com 📸 Instagram: Earth School Hawaii Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Take the Free Quiz: Discover Your Farm Education Path 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us! DISCOVER YOUR FARM EDUCATION PATH If you're wondering what kind of farm education work might fit your interests, skills and resources, take the Discover Your Farm Education Path quiz. Just follow the link below. ** Discover Your Farm Education Path **

What happens when a family farm keeps following one opportunity into the next? At Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland , what began with raising food for the family has grown into a regenerative working farm with field trips, an ACA-accredited summer camp serving as many as 150–200 kids a week, overnight farm stays, a farm store, public events and more. Maria Cunningham , Director of Agritainment & Animal Education and manager of their farm store, shares how those different pieces developed, and how they all fit together on one family farm. Maria also gets into some of the pieces visitors don't see: funding major infrastructure, separating the finances of different farm enterprises, cross-training employees, and making decisions with family members who are co-workers. You'll Hear: 🥚 How a roadside egg stand and a chest freezer became part of something much bigger. 🏕️ What it takes to prepare a staff for a summer camp serving as many as 150–200 kids a week. 💰 A behind-the-scenes look at how Mary’s Land Farm separates and connects the finances of its different enterprises. 👨‍👩‍👧 What decision-making really looks like when your family members see the same problem from different sides. 🌳 Why unstructured time in the woods is an intentional part of the farm’s summer camp. 🏘️ How the farm’s many departments operate a little more like a village than one traditional farm business. 🧘 The lesson Maria has learned about knowing when it’s time to hand things off and walk away for a while. Learn more about Mary's Land Farm: 🌐 Website: https://maryslandfarm.com/ 📸 Instagram: Mary's Land Farm 👍 Facebook: Mary's Land Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Take the Free Quiz: Discover Your Farm Education Path 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us! DISCOVER YOUR FARM EDUCATION PATH Mary’s Land Farm is a great example of how many different directions farm education can take. If you're wondering what kind of farm education work might fit your interests, skills and resources, take the Discover Your Farm Education Path quiz. ** Discover Your Farm Education Path **

Kristina Schnepf spent 30 years climbing the corporate ladder before a very different kind of work called her name. One day, she watched a construction crew building something outside her office window…and something clicked. She realized she wanted to build things with her own hands, too. Then came the leap: leaving the boardroom behind to create Green Door Folk School in Cedar, Michigan, a community-centered folk school focused on teaching traditional, practical skills—from woodworking and quilting to foraging, cheese-making, and basketry. Kristina shares the journey of launching the school, navigating its unique L3C business model, reframing "grandma crafts" as essential practical knowledge, and explaining why hands-on, non-competitive adult education is resonating so deeply with modern learners. From corporate America to a folk school in Michigan, Kristina’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best next chapter starts with a simple realization: I want to build something of my own. Tune into this week’s episode to hear how she made the leap and how traditional skills are becoming what people are hungry to learn more about. You’ll Hear: 🪟 The Window That Changed Everything: Kristina shares the unexpected moment outside her corporate office that sparked a new direction—and a desire to build something with her own hands. 👂 Listen Before You Launch: What began with conversations across the community helped Kristina uncover what was already there, what was missing, and where her idea could fit. ⚖️ The In-Between Business Model: Exploring an unconventional path for a business that doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional for-profit or nonprofit mold. 🧰 Starting with What You Have: The creative, scrappy ways Kristina got the school off the ground before having all the pieces in place. 🧺 Beyond “Grandma Crafts”: Taking a second look at traditional skills—and the deeper connection to land, making, and everyday life hiding underneath them. 🌱 Permission to Be a Beginner: Why creating a space where adults can try, stumble, and learn without worrying about getting it right changes the entire experience. Learn more about Green Door Folk School: 🌐 Website: https://www.greendoorfolkschool.com/ 📸 Instagram: Green Door Folk School 👍 Facebook: Green Door Folk School Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Take the Free Quiz: Discover Your Farm Education Path 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Wendy Prentiss noticed her students were feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety and their future, she realized what was taught in schools did not provide practical solutions. So, she decided to act. Leaving behind a career as a classroom teacher, Wendy joined Holly Hill Farm. A 120-acre organic nonprofit farm nestled in a coastal suburb of Massachusetts that has been connecting people to food, conservation, and sustainability for over two decades. Today, as Education Director, Wendy helps oversee programming that reaches over 20,000 students each year and partners with more than 40 local schools building and managing garden education on school grounds. In this episode, Christa talks with Wendy about how Holly Hill Farm balances working farm production, community outreach, and scaling farm education. From coordinating school garden schedules and designing high school AP Environmental Science field trips to launching an 8th-grade civics hub and feeding local families through their Farm to Food Pantry initiative, Wendy offers practical wisdom for educators looking to build sustainable, high-impact programs. You’ll hear: 🐓 Transitioning to farm education: How Wendy moved from traditional school education into farm-based learning to combat climate doom with hands-on hope. 🥕 Managing school garden partnerships: The practical realities and scheduling logistics of supporting school garden beds across 40 partner schools. 📜 Operating a multi-faceted farm: How Holly Hill balances historic 1780s barns, organic farming, conservation trails, and community events under a "one farm" mindset. 🚜 Engaging older students: Creative ways to connect with middle and high schoolers through AP Environmental Science exam prep, 8th-grade civics pathways, and high school culinary arts visits. 🥦 Giving back through Farm to Food Pantry: How local teenagers grow fresh produce for food-insecure families in their own community. 🏷️ Sustaining non-profit programs: How a three-tiered revenue model, tiered workshop pricing, and required memberships for summer programs help sustain the farm's educational mission. 💡 Starting small: Advice for aspiring farm educators on overcoming overwhelm by taking it "bird by bird" and trusting staff, volunteers, and students with real responsibility. Learn more about Holly Hill Farm: 🌐 Website: https://hollyhillfarm.org/ 📸 Instagram: Holly Hill Farm Cohasset 👍 Facebook: Holly Hill Farm Cohasset Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Take the Free Quiz: Discover Your Farm Education Path 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

What happens when you stop asking "How do we fit kids into a system?" and start asking "What does a child actually need to truly thrive?" 🌱✨ In this heart-opening episode, I am joined by sisters Gillian Berard (a public school teacher of over 10 years) and Jenna Baggott (a former NICU nurse and health advocate). Both women spent years inside large systems, noticing how rigid checklists and "Band-Aid solutions" were slowly disconnecting children from their natural curiosity, creativity, health and vitality. When sudden, heartbreaking grief touched their family with the unexpected loss of their brother, it completely shifted their perspective. Remembering his final words—"Love you to infinity"—they decided life was too short to leave their dreams on the back burner. Together, they leaped all-in to establish Infinity Academy in Ridgeway, Ontario : a 17-acre biodynamic farm school where academics, project-based learning, French immersion, nature, and emotional well-being flow seamlessly together. Tune in to hear their beautiful journey, from a serendipitous discovery of their future land to creating custom assessment tools for teachers that prove education can look completely different! You’ll Learn: 🏫 The Spark of Change: Gillian shares what she saw after a decade in public education and why traditional assessment models hinder true hands-on learning. 🩺 From Healthcare to Soil: Jenna reflects on her NICU nursing background and how her quest for root-cause health led her directly back to nature and soil biodiversity. 🕊️ "Love You to Infinity": The powerful, emotional story of turning profound grief into courage and action after losing their beloved brother. 🛠️ The 30-Day Crunch: What it really took behind the scenes to open their 17-acre farm school doors in just one month. 🔓 Golden Handcuffs & Bold Leaps: How they navigated private micro-school setup in Ontario, self-funded their vision, and broke free from comfortable traditional careers. ⛸️ A Day at Infinity Academy: Balancing explicit math and literacy blocks with real-world projects (like calculating flow rate and geometry to build a winter skating rink!). 🐓 Living as a Biodynamic Ecosystem: Moving beyond simple organic labels to view the farm terrain, animals, and children as an interconnected, self-healing system and what it means for overall health. 📱 Assessing Soft Skills with MyBinder: Defining micro-skills like resilience and open-mindedness, and building an app to help educators track important soft skills without burnout. 🌟 Viral Growth & Keeping the Dream Alive: How losing their original social media account led to a raw, heartfelt video that gained 2+ million views and touched families worldwide. Learn more about Infinity Academy: 🌐 Website: infinityacademyed.com 📸 Instagram: Infinity Academy Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Take the Free Quiz: Discover Your Farm Education Path 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

One year. 46 episodes. Incredible guests that I am so grateful to have shared their stories on this podcast. In honor of our first year of the podcast, I'm talking about a question that's followed me through 30 years in farm education: how do you decide which good idea is actually worth building? Not which program or business idea sounds the most exciting in the moment, but which one you'd actually want to live, week after week, year after year. Because we're not just building farm education businesses, we're building our lives. I think a lot of educators can get stuck, not because we don't have enough ideas for programs, but because we haven't stopped to ask what we actually want our business to look like. It's not about putting you in a box, it's about giving you a clue -a place to start recognizing what fits you, so you can build the farm education business and life you want. Tune in and you'll hear: 🌱 How having too many good ideas for your farm education program might actually be the thing that's keeping you stuck. 📅 The one question I ask myself about an "ordinary Tuesday" that's guided almost every big decision in my farm education business. 🏡 The reason I built Bring the Farm to You the way I did, and what it taught me about knowing yourself before you build a farm education program. 🧭 Why "not yet" isn't the same thing as "never," and how that one shift changed the way I plan for the future of my farm education business. 🔍 The question I ask myself whenever another farm educator's idea catches my attention, one that turns "Ooh, I want to do that" into an actual clue about what I really want for my own program. 🧩 Why I built a quiz to help farm educators find their own answer to all of this and what I hope you do with your results. 🔗 Take the new “Discover Your Farm Education Path” quiz here: https://tinyurl.com/yjxwe6x6 Learn More About the Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Sarah Siburt stepped away from a 23-year career in public education to become the Executive Director of Timberview Farmstead , she didn't just take on a new job, she stepped onto a 150-acre canvas of pure possibility. Built on the site of a former golf course in South Fort Worth, Texas, this rapidly growing nonprofit teaching farm has undergone a massive transformation to connect a bustling urban community back to the land. Despite opening its doors to the public in 2024, Timberview has scaled its impact at an incredible pace. Today, the campus features livestock barns, a sophisticated aquaponic greenhouse system, robust summer camps, and a long-term middle-to-high-school mentorship program that stays with students until they graduate. In this episode, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of launching a massive farm education project from scratch. She shares how she designed "Educator Preview Days" to solve marketing challenges, how she aligns activities with strict state educational standards, and why a culture of "unreasonable hospitality" is the secret to building a community where everyone feels they truly belong. You’ll Learn: How 150 acres of recreational country club land was strategically re-engineered into a thriving, fully operational educational farm campus, navigating complex pasture, water, and forage setups. Why transitioning from a middle school choir and elementary music teacher to a farm education director felt completely natural. The genius, low-cost marketing strategy Sarah used to quickly fill their field trip schedule and creating an immediate waiting list. Inside Timberview's unique after-school initiative that follows sixth graders all the way through high school graduation. How Timberview uses a closed-circuit aquaculture and hydroponics system as a living laboratory to grow 4,000 heads of lettuce a month, while converting picky eaters on the spot during greenhouse taste tests. What it means to practice "unreasonable hospitality" on a family farm and how to design accessible spaces where neurodivergent, gifted, and special education students can all truly thrive. The practical advice on how to start fundraising for a farm education non-profit from the ground up. Learn more about Timberview Farmstead: 🌐 Website: timberviewfarmstead.com 👍 Facebook: Timberview Farmstead 📸 Instagram: Timberview Farmstead Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Tana DeSandres looks out at a farm, she doesn't just see agricultural land, she sees an evolving classroom driven by curiosity, empathy, and natural cycles. After spending over three years coordinating the historic education gardens at California's renowned Hidden Villa, a cross-country move brought her to the historic fields of Lincoln, Massachusetts. Today, as the Education Manager for Codman Community Farms , Tana is helping lead a nonprofit community anchor that proves a working regenerative farm can seamlessly weave multiple agricultural enterprises directly into a powerful educational curriculum. Operating its main property while actively managing 150 acres of town-owned land, Codman Community Farms has been a staple of its local community since 1973. In this episode, Tana shares her journey from the foothills of Yosemite to managing farm education on both coasts. We dive into the day-to-day realities of rotational pasture systems, how to translate complex soil health concepts into tangible lessons for young children, and the incredible community connection the farm fosters. You’ll Hear: 🌲How a childhood love for the outdoors and a pivotal college volunteering experience shifted Tana's career path from traditional classrooms to outdoor and farm-based education. 🛠️Key frameworks Tana carried over from her time at Hidden Villa to build deep empathy, up-close plant and animal interactions, and student empowerment. 🐄A look at how Codman uses rotational grazing teach children about the beautiful, regenerative cycle where humans care for animals, and animals care for the soil. 🛒How a 24/7 self-serve farm store operating entirely on the honor system builds deep community trust, fosters local partnerships, and gives their community a true sense of personal ownership over the farm. 📚A behind-the-scenes look at structuring diverse programs, from Little Farmer's Helper afterschool groups and summer Barn Buddies, to adult sustainable landscaping workshops and community farm-to-table dinners. ✨Why Tana stepped away from highly rigid, structured lesson plans to embrace fluidity and capture spontaneous "magical teaching moments" provided by the farm's daily ecosystem. Learn more about Codman Community Farms: 🌐 Website: codmanfarm.org 📸 Instagram: Codman Community Farms Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

What happens when a public school teacher realizes the educational system no longer aligns with her core values or the future she envisions for her own children? For Lindsey Vose , it meant choosing a radical pivot: stepping away from financial security, pensions, and traditional benchmarks to build an alternative learning ecosystem completely from the ground up. Today, Lindsey is the founder and owner of Wild Wonders , a thriving hybrid homeschool and farm-based education program in Belgrade, Montana . What started as a tiny summer camp run out of her garage has exploded entirely through word of mouth into an immersive, multi-age program serving 50 students from early childhood all the way through middle school. In this conversation, Lindsey pulls back the curtain on her leap of faith from the public sector, the logistical grit required to scale a rapidly growing model, and how she balances rigorous academic standards with the daily realities of farm life. She shares the profound life lessons that come with teaching kids through nature, her philosophy on community leadership, and what it truly takes to turn an unconventional educational dream into a thriving reality. You’ll hear: 🎒 The specific turning point that caused her to walk away from traditional public schools in search of something better for her daughter. 🚪 What happened when she stepped into the world of non-traditional education, and the exact moment she realized there was no turning back. 🚗 The scrappy origins of her program, which started as a summer camp running out of a single garage. 📈 What it really takes to scale a program to keep up with growing demand from the community. 🧮 The way farm-based projects give children an immediate, real-world purpose for learning core academic subjects. 📋 How a hybrid homeschool structure actually operates behind the scenes while still meeting state standards. 👩‍🌾 The essential leadership advice for identifying your true community and keeping your team genuinely excited to show up every single day. Learn more about Wild Wonders: 🌐 Website: wildwondersmt.com 👍 Facebook: Wild Wonders 📸 Instagram: Wild Wonders Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

Dr. Bonnie Laabs , an inner-city science teacher, turned her PhD research on trauma and brain development into a thriving nonprofit. In this episode we discuss how she transitioned from a traditional classroom to founding WEE Farm on less than 6 acres right outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is proving that you don't need hundreds of acres to create a powerful, purpose-driven education program. Dr. Laabs dives into the science of why animals are such effective partners in teaching self-regulation and emotional wellness and discusses the creative ways she utilizes her six-acre property. From a "Critter Scene Investigation" forensics camp to a multicultural garden that uses food as a bridge between cultures. Whether you are an educator or a small-scale farmer, this conversation offers profound insights into making farm education accessible and meaningful for everyone. You’ll hear: 🎓 How Bonnie’s background as a science teacher and her research into trauma led her to bring animals into the educational process in her classroom. 🚜 The personal leap of faith Bonnie and her husband took selling their city home to establish a farm that bridges the gap between science, education, and therapeutic wellness for inner city children. 🐎 Why Bonnie views her horses as partners rather than tools, and the science behind Equine Gestalt Coaching. 🕵️ A look at unique programs like "Little Vet Camp" and "FBI Mystery Spy" that engage kids in STEM and agriculture. 🪴 How the Multicultural Learning Garden uses shared recipes and diverse crops to build community and celebrate different heritages. 📍 Practical advice on maximizing small spaces; proving that you don't need a large property to offer farm education. 🤝 Why building a network of experts and community support is the most vital step for any aspiring farm educator. Learn more about WEE Farm: 🌐 Website: weefarm.org 👍 Facebook: WEE Farm 📸 Instagram: WEE Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

Christine Deck’s journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in a desire to rewrite her family’s history. After watching generations of farmers forced out by the "get big or get out" era, she and her husband founded Deck Family Farm in Junction City, Oregon, as a diversified, regenerative haven. Today, the farm is a thriving ecosystem of cattle, heritage pigs, dairy, and a full-farm CSA, all serving as a living classroom for the next generation of agricultural leaders. This conversation dives into the heart of their year-long apprenticeship program, where students are treated as more than just hands—they are future business owners. Christine discusses the necessity of rotating through the enterprises to learn the background and numbers behind the business , the power of living in an intentional farm community, and her bold plans to preserve this land forever through a farmland trust. You’ll hear: • 🌱 How the loss of family farms in California fueled Christine’s passion to ensure the next generation has the skills to stay on the land. • 🐄 A look at managing a farm model that includes everything from 600 heritage pigs to a working dairy and a full farm CSA. • 🎓 Why Christine shifted from volunteer help to paid staff that act as mentors for their year-long, enterprise-based learning apprenticeships for students. • 📈 Why their apprenticeship program prioritizes teaching financials and marketing alongside daily animal care to ensure students can actually make a living. • 🏡 The impact of immersive education and "on-farm" living, where learning happens everywhere from the dawn chores to the dinner table. • 📜 How putting land into a trust ensures it remains a farming resource for future operators. Learn more about Deck Family Farm: 🌐 Website: https://www.deckfamilyfarm.com/ 👍 Facebook: Deck Family Farm 📸 Instagram: Deck Family Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

Dr. Charlotte Wolfe didn’t just set out to build a farm; she set out to restore an ecosystem. After decades as an environmental scientist, she took 85 acres of industrial corn and soybean land in Indiana and began the slow, quiet work of bringing back the prairie and the wetlands. What started as a personal restoration project soon grew into Prairie Winds Nature Farm , a place where the land itself has become the primary educator for thousands of children and adults. Through long-term partnerships with local schools and a deep-seated belief that nature never disappoints, Charlotte has created a model for farm-based education that is as much about ecology as it is about connection. Whether she is discussing the "heart connection" kids form with the soil or the confidence built while working with horses, Charlotte’s journey is a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the gap between scientific restoration and agricultural education. You’ll hear: 🧬 How a deep background in environmental science and ecology became the foundation for transforming industrial farming land into a diverse habitat. 🏫 How teaching a single child sparked a natural evolution into structured partnerships with local Montessori and homeschool groups. 🚜 The diverse educational landscape at Prairie Winds, from seasonal school visits and immersive day camps to university-level internships. 🐎 Why managing a horse team serves as a unique tool for teaching older students confidence, empathy, and rotational grazing. 💡 Critical advice for aspiring educators on why you should build your "dirt skills" and volunteer before committing to land ownership. Learn more about Prairie Winds Nature Farm: 🌐 Website: https://www.prairiewindsnaturefarm.com/ 👍 Facebook: Prairie Winds Nature Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Dr. Camille Lewis looks at a garden, she doesn't just see plants—she sees a classroom, a community lifeline, and a bridge to a more resilient future. Based in Tallahassee, Florida, Camille founded Earth’s Garden LLC to transform urban spaces into vibrant hubs of agriculture and STEM learning, drawing on her deep roots in a multi-generational farming family and her career as a dedicated educator. In this episode, Camille shares how she moved beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom to build a for-profit consulting model that empowers schools and families to grow their own food. We dive into the intersection of educational psychology and agriculture, discussing how to turn "food apartheids" into landscapes of opportunity and how to help teachers find their own connection to the land—even if they’re a little afraid of the bugs. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How a long family line of educators and farmers provided the foundation for Camille’s unique career path. 🏘️ How Earth’s Garden was born during COVID to provide food security and practical skills to her community in need. 🏢 The strategic decision to build a consulting business that values professional expertise and creates a sustainable livelihood for her family. 🛠️Insights into how she builds garden infrastructure and curriculum for schools so they can sustain their own programs 🔬 How she integrates science, technology, engineering, and math into her youth summer camps. 🛶 Lessons from the "Brilliant Resilience" program on connecting urban youth to nature to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. 🚀The challenges of building a business from scratch and the power of surrounding yourself with other mission-driven entrepreneurs. Learn more about Earth's Garden LLC: 🌐 Website: https://www.earthsgardenllc.com/ 👍 Facebook: Earth's Garden LLC 📸 Instagram: Earth's Garden LLC Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Abby Collins started working at The Lands at Hillside Farms at fifteen years old, she was serving ice cream. Today, she’s helping lead a 438-acre community anchor that proves a farm can be so much more than just a place where food is grown. Hillside isn't just a dairy farm; it is a sanctuary. Through intentional design and a "give, give, give" philosophy inherited from their founder, Abby and her team have woven together agriculture, mental health, and education to support those who need it most. From vocational programs for students with disabilities to a Care Farming initiative for children navigating profound trauma, this episode explores what happens when the land becomes a partner in healing. Abby shares the heart-tugging reality of "the animals just knowing" and how a small team manages to thrive in the chaos of a mission-driven life. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How Abby grew from an ice cream parlor employee to the Director of Education and Events helping the farm reach its 20th anniversary. 🌳 The legacy of Dr. Doug Ayers and the mission to leave the land better for those who will use it 200 years from now. ⚓ The transition from a family-owned farm to a public resource that the community truly "owns." 🧑‍🌾 How Hillside is providing vocational training for students with disabilities, from greenhouse work to selling produce at local markets. 🤝 How Hillside leverages relationships with mental health counselors, occupational therapists, and food dignity programs to scale their impact. 🐄 How intentional animal-to-student pairings create breakthroughs for children with complex medical and emotional needs. ✨ Abby’s advice for farm educators: embracing failure, listening to your community, and continuing to evolve Learn more about The Lands at Hillside Farms: 🌐 Website: https://www.thelandsathillsidefarms.org/ 👍 Facebook: The Lands at Hillside Farms 📸 Instagram: @landsathillsidefarms Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Jenni Adams helped start The Madison Farm , it was about bringing the farm into the rhythm of everyday school life. Set on a school campus in Tennessee, this nonprofit farm is woven into the student experience—from preschool through high school—where learning happens through real work, real seasons, and real responsibility. But building something like this didn’t come all at once. In this episode, Jenni shares what it actually looks like to integrate a working farm into a school setting—and how the education side has grown over time into something deeply impactful. ✨ You’ll hear: 🏫 What it takes to integrate into an existing school system 🎓 How students develop confidence through ownership and responsibility 🛠️ How work-study programs build real-life skills and prepare students for the future 🤝 How community support and mentorship drives growth ⚖️ Balancing production, education, and capacity ❤️ What it means to create a place where students feel they belong Learn more about The Madison Farm: 🌐 Website: https://the-madison-farm.square.site/ 👍 Facebook: The Madison Farm 📸 Instagram: @themadisonfarm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Cathryn Anderson first arrived at Pineland Farms , there wasn’t an education department. Just a handful of field trips… a lot of possibility… and a place that felt like it could become something more. Fifteen years later, that “something more” has grown into a dynamic, ever-evolving education program reaching visitors of all ages—through farm visits, seasonal events, self-guided exploration, and hands-on learning experiences across 5,000 acres in New Gloucester, Maine. But it didn’t happen all at once. In this episode, Cathryn shares how the education side of the farm has grown, adapted, and expanded—and what it really takes to create meaningful learning experiences at scale. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 The evolution from simple school visits to a full education ecosystem 🐄 How to design experiences for all ages—from preschool to adults 🧭 The difference between guided programs and open exploration 🌦️ How each season shapes what (and how) people learn 🧠 Managing growth, ideas, and overwhelm as programs expand 🎟️ Why events are powerful entry points for new visitors ⚖️ How to navigate change without losing your mission 🌱 What beginners often overcomplicate (and what matters most instead) 💡 Practical advice for building programs with what you already have Learn more about Pineland Farms: 🌐 Website: pinelandfarms.org 👍 Facebook: Pineland Farms 📸 Instagram: @pinelandfarms Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

When Tyrean “Heru” Lewis looked around his neighborhood, he didn’t see access to fresh food—so he took action. With no formal plan, he began growing in his backyard… then on a vacant lot… and slowly, something much bigger took root. Today, Heru Urban Farming in St. Louis, Missouri is a space where food, education, and community come together—but the path to get there was anything but straightforward. In this episode, Heru shares the real story behind building something from nothing, the lessons learned along the way, and how he continues to lead through uncertainty with resilience and purpose. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How Heru went from PE teacher to urban farmer 🏙️ What sparked the transition from teaching to addressing food access in his community 🧑‍🌾 The evolution from garden, to vacant lot, to full-scale urban farm and education program 📖 The role education plays—from classrooms to hands-on farm experiences 💭 What it means to be a “soul farmer” and lead with intention 📣 How community relationships and consistency fueled growth ⚖️ Navigating major funding loss and continuing forward anyway 💡 Why you don’t need land, funding, or a perfect plan to begin Learn more about Heru Urban Farming: 🌐 Website: heruurbanfarming.com 👍 Facebook: Heru Urban Farming 📸 Instagram: @ heruurbanfarming Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

Shipshape Farm in Traveler's Rest, South Carolina didn’t start with a business plan—it started with a need. In the middle of a season that felt uncertain, Whitney Poitevint and her family made a big shift: from city life to farmland, from routine to something entirely new. What followed wasn’t a straight path—but step by step, it became a farm education program that now serves families, builds community, and creates space for kids to truly experience the world around them. In this conversation, Whitney shares what it really looks like to build something from scratch —and why the messy, in-between stages matter just as much as the outcome. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How Whitney’s life shifted from city living to farm life almost overnight 🍩 The early trial-and-error of making income from the land 🧑‍🌾 How a simple idea turned into a sold-out farm education program 📖 Why giving kids time and space leads to deeper engagement 💭 Navigating imposter syndrome without a traditional teaching background 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How a multi-generational family works together on the farm 📣 How word-of-mouth helped their programs grow faster than expected 🐐 The evolution into goat dairy production and new opportunities 💡 Whitney’s advice: you don’t need a perfect plan— you just need to start Learn more about Shipshape Farm: 🌐 Website: www.shipshapefarm.com 👍 Facebook: Shipshape Farm 📸 Instagram: @shipshapefarm Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

At its core, Piney Woods Farm is about nourishment—in every sense of the word. From building healthy soil to providing fresh food for families, this La Grange, Georgia-based nonprofit is focused on creating impact that extends far beyond the farm itself. And along the way, it’s become a place where people come to learn, connect, and slow down. In this conversation, Jessica Breaux shares how Piney Woods is living out its mission through regenerative agriculture, community partnerships, and education rooted in real, hands-on experiences. You’ll hear: 🌱 How Jessica’s unexpected path led her from opera to regenerative agriculture 🏆How being honored with the Rodale Institute Organic Stewardship Award reflects the farm’s commitment to soil health and regenerative practices 🥕 How Piney Woods has donated over 150,000 pounds of nutrient-dense food to their community 🤝 How their three pillars— health, connection, and regenerative nature —guide their work 🐝 Why education at Piney Woods starts small—and grows through curiosity 🧵 Why creating space for hands-on learning builds confidence and community 👧 What kids gain from participating in farm-based programs 💡 Jessica’s advice for educators: start where you are , get your hands dirty, and don’t be afraid to “fail up” Learn more about Piney Woods Farm: 🌐 Website: www.pineywoods.farm 👍 Facebook: @PineyWoodsFarmLaGrange 📸 Instagram: @piney_woods_farm_ga Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

Amber Bruckner is the founder of Pine Row Preschool , a small farm-based preschool in Michigan where young children learn through animals, nature, and everyday farm life. At Pine Row, gathering eggs, feeding animals, exploring the creek, and following children’s curiosity are all part of the rhythm of the day. In this conversation, Amber shares how her background in early childhood education led her to create a program where farm life and learning go hand in hand. We talk about her teaching philosophy, the Project Approach curriculum she uses, and how real experiences with animals and nature help children build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. ✨ You’ll hear: 🐔 What it looks like when preschoolers gather eggs, feed animals, and take part in real farm chores 🌱 Amber’s journey from early childhood educator to founding Pine Row Preschool 🧠 How the Project Approach helps children guide their own learning through curiosity 🐑 The role animals play in helping children develop empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness 🌿 Why sensory-rich outdoor experiences are so important for early childhood development 🏡 What makes a small, home-based preschool feel different—and why that can be a strength 🤝 How caring for animals and working together builds teamwork and confidence 💡 Amber’s encouragement for educators interested in starting small, hands-on farm education programs Learn more about Pine Row Preschool: 🌐 Website: www.pinerowpreschool.com 👍 Facebook: @pinerowpreschool 📸 Instagram: @pinerowchildcare Farm Educator’s Roadmap: 🌐Website: https://www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com 📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap 👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!