When you think of farming, you probably picture wide open spaces in the middle of nowhere brimming with corn stalks. But tucked away in a beautiful meadow on top of a natural spring, Zenger Farm is an urban farm in SE Portland helping their local community. The farm models and educates visitors about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development, and access to good food for all.
Another of Zenger Farm’s goals is to give young adults and kids access to land to learn about and connect with the natural world around them. The farm’s educational programs cover topics like organic farming, rain collection systems, foods native to the Pacific Northwest, ecology, and other natural sciences. And they also have educational programs for adults!
Zenger Farm is also one of 17 community organizations that were awarded grants from the 2021 SEED Grant Fund. Portland’s Social Equity & Educational Development (SEED) Initiatives is the first U.S. government program to fund equity-centered community investment grants with local cannabis tax revenue. They used the grant funds to develop the Community Kitchens Program, a two-year educational program helping BIPOC women and non-binary people build their food business. During the program, these Community Chefs test recipes, develop menus, and build the skills they need to help them succeed.
Zenger Farm truly has something for everyone! Check out their Open Farm Days on Saturdays for farm tours, activity stations for kids and adults, and a lunch cooked by their Community Chefs. Everyone is welcome at Open Farm Days, whether you want to dig deep into farm life or just bring a blanket and hang out in the meadow.
Visit their website to learn more and check out some unique volunteer opportunities!