Learning 4 Life Farm

Middle school and high school students on the autism spectrum expanded and maintained the Learning 4 Life Farm student garden as part of their school year and summer camp curriculum. Gardens include a rain garden, two raised bed flower, herb, and vegetable gardens, and an unheated hoop house for season extension. 48 students, 17 staff, and 18 community volunteers built a new raised bed garden; planted, tended, and harvested vegetables, flowers, and herbs; and sold produce, herbs, and flowers at our student farmstand. An 18x24 foot heated greenhouse was installed for spring plant propagation in 2023 and beyond

Beekeeping program: we installed three beehives in our new apiary location, overseen by our volunteer beekeeper, bob hooker, who the kids call "beekeeper bob." 48 middle school and high school students on the autism spectrum and 17 staff observed and assisted with beekeeping tasks when beekeeper bob worked the hives, learned about bee biology, and harvested 45 pounds of honey to sell at our student Farm stand.

Barnraiser campaign: installed electrical service and lines, septic system, well and well pump, plumbing rough-in and lines, concrete floor, workshop interior framing, access drive and drylot for our 40x80 foot alpaca barn and student workshop and retail shop. Community support from foundations, local businesses and individuals provided funding. Local contractors donated a portion of labor and materials, including a four-day workshop with 30 students on the autism spectrum to install interior framing.