Urban Farm Education Program
Hands-On Learning in Sustainable Agriculture & Environmental Stewardship
Program Overview
The Urban Farm Education Program is a hands-on, immersive learning experience that connects participants of all ages with the origins of their food, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the natural world around them. With a focus on urban farming, the program uses interactive workshops, guided farm tours, and seasonal activities to teach practical skills in planting, harvesting, soil health, composting, animal care, and environmental stewardship.
Participants learn through real farm experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of how food systems impact health, communities, local economies, and the environment. The program promotes curiosity, responsibility, teamwork, and respect for nature while encouraging healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
Who the Program Is For
Youth, teens, adults, and families
Schools, community groups, and organizations
Individuals interested in food, nature, and sustainability
No prior farming experience required
Program Structure
Program Length: 8–16 weeks (seasonal)
Format: In-person, outdoor experiential learning
Schedule Options: After-school, weekends, summer programs
Delivery Style: Workshops, farm tours, hands-on activities
Core Program Areas
1. Urban Farming & Food Systems
Participants learn:
What urban farming is and why it matters
Where food comes from
Local vs industrial food systems
Food access and food justice
2. Soil, Composting & Plant Health
Participants learn:
How soil supports plant growth
Composting and waste reduction
Organic growing methods
How to build healthy garden beds
3. Planting, Growing & Harvesting
Participants learn:
Seed starting and transplanting
Seasonal crop cycles
Watering and plant care
Safe harvesting techniques
4. Animal Care (If Applicable)
Participants learn:
Basic animal care and feeding
The role of animals in farming
Ethical and humane practices
Responsibility and stewardship
5. Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Participants learn:
Climate change and agriculture
Water and energy conservation
Biodiversity and pollinators
Eco-friendly farming practices
6. Food, Nutrition & Community Health
Participants learn:
Nutritional value of fresh foods
Farm-to-table concepts
Healthy cooking basics
Community food systems
Capstone Experience
Participants complete a hands-on project, such as:
Designing a garden bed
Building a compost system
Hosting a community farm tour
Creating a produce stand
Leading a sustainability activity
Program Outcomes
By completing the Urban Farm Education Program, participants will:
Understand where food comes from
Gain hands-on farming skills
Learn sustainable practices
Build environmental awareness
Develop healthy habits
Strengthen community connection
Why Our Farm Program Works
Our program is:
Hands-on – learning by doing
Experiential – outdoor, real-world learning
Seasonal – aligned with nature
Community-based – local impact
Sustainability-focused – future-oriented
Inclusive – accessible for all ages
Urban Farm Education Program Curriculum
Hands-On Learning in Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Environmental Stewardship
Program Overview
The Urban Farm Education Program is a hands-on, immersive learning experience designed to connect youth, families, and community members with the origins of their food and the principles of sustainable agriculture in an urban environment. The program introduces participants to farming practices through interactive workshops, guided farm tours, and seasonal activities that reflect real-world food production.
Participants gain practical knowledge in planting, harvesting, soil health, composting, animal care, and environmental stewardship. By engaging directly with the land, crops, and food systems, learners develop a deeper understanding of how agriculture supports healthy communities, local economies, and global sustainability.
The program emphasizes experiential learning—students learn by doing. Participants work in gardens, greenhouses, and farm spaces while developing responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and respect for nature.
By the end of the program, participants:
Understand where food comes from
Gain basic farming and gardening skills
Learn principles of sustainability and ecology
Develop healthy lifestyle habits
Build environmental awareness and community connection
Program Structure
Target Group: All ages (youth, teens, adults, families)
Program Length: 8–16 weeks (flexible and seasonal)
Format: In-person, outdoor learning
Schedule Options: After-school, weekends, summer programs
The curriculum is delivered in 6 progressive learning modules, each aligned with seasonal farm cycles.
Module 1: Introduction to Urban Farming & Food Systems
Purpose
Participants learn what urban farming is and why it is important for communities, health, and the environment.
Key Topics
What is urban agriculture?
Where does our food come from?
Local vs industrial food systems
Food justice and food access
The role of farms in cities
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand the basics of urban farming
Identify different types of farms (community gardens, rooftop farms, vertical farms)
Recognize how farming connects to nutrition and health
Example Activities
Take a guided farm tour
Compare grocery store produce with farm-grown produce
Map out where daily foods originate
Group discussion: “How does food reach our plate?”
Module 2: Soil, Composting & Plant Health
Purpose
Participants learn that healthy soil is the foundation of healthy food.
Key Topics
Soil types and nutrients
Composting and waste reduction
Organic vs chemical fertilizers
Soil organisms (worms, microbes)
Mulching and moisture retention
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand what makes soil healthy
Learn how compost supports plant growth
Identify sustainable soil practices
Example Activities
Create a compost bin
Test soil texture and pH
Observe worms and microorganisms
Mix compost into garden beds
Module 3: Planting, Growing & Harvesting
Purpose
Participants learn the full life cycle of plants from seed to harvest.
Key Topics
Seed selection
Germination and transplanting
Watering techniques
Seasonal crops
Harvesting methods
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Plant seeds and seedlings
Understand plant growth stages
Learn how to harvest safely and responsibly
Example Activities
Start seeds in trays
Transplant crops into garden beds
Track plant growth in journals
Harvest vegetables and herbs
Module 4: Urban Animal Care (If Applicable)
Purpose
Participants learn how animals contribute to food systems and ecosystems.
Key Topics
Chickens, bees, goats (if available)
Feeding and care routines
Animal habitats
Ethics of animal farming
Benefits of animals in agriculture
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand basic animal care
Learn animal roles in food systems
Develop responsibility and empathy
Example Activities
Feed and clean animal spaces
Collect eggs
Observe bee pollination
Design a safe animal habitat
Module 5: Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Purpose
Participants learn how farming impacts the planet and how sustainable practices protect natural resources.
Key Topics
Climate change and agriculture
Water conservation
Renewable energy
Biodiversity
Pollution and waste
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand environmental challenges
Learn eco-friendly farming practices
Develop stewardship values
Example Activities
Build rainwater collection systems
Create pollinator gardens
Conduct waste audits
Plant trees or native plants
Module 6: Food, Nutrition & Community Health
Purpose
Participants connect farming to healthy living and community well-being.
Key Topics
Nutrition basics
Farm-to-table
Cooking with fresh produce
Food preservation
Community food access
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand the nutritional value of fresh foods
Learn basic cooking skills
Develop healthy eating habits
Example Activities
Prepare meals using harvested crops
Create healthy recipes
Host community tasting events
Build a weekly farm produce box
Capstone Project: Community Farm Project
Each participant completes a Capstone Experience, such as:
Designing and maintaining a garden bed
Creating a compost system
Hosting a farm tour for families
Building a community produce stand
Leading a sustainability workshop
Career & Life Skills (Integrated Throughout)
Participants also develop:
Transferable Skills
Teamwork
Responsibility
Time management
Problem-solving
Leadership
Career Pathways Introduced
Urban agriculture
Environmental science
Sustainability careers
Landscaping and gardening
Food entrepreneurship
Community development
Program Outcomes
By completing the Urban Farm Education Program, participants will:
Gain hands-on farming skills
Understand sustainable food systems
Build environmental awareness
Improve health and nutrition knowledge
Strengthen community connection
Develop respect for nature and the land