Care Farming Network National Conference
“Rooted and Rising: Growing the Future of Care Farming”
February 9-11, 2026
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
February 9–11, 2026 | Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
Be part of a one-of-a-kind gathering of care farmers, practitioners, and advocates from across the country as we come together to learn, connect, and grow. This year’s event will feature:
Dynamic speakers and sessions to inspire care farmers of all levels with new ideas
A special farm tour at Red Wiggler Care Farm
A welcoming reception to kick off the conference in community
Unparalleled opportunities to connect with care farmers and allies nationwide
Check out the Agenda at a Glance for a detailed schedule.
Stay at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center for a seamless, connected experience. Attendees receive a discounted hotel rate and enjoy the added benefit of being right in the heart of the action — sharing morning coffee, evening conversations, and those spontaneous connections that make this gathering so memorable.
Last year’s conference was filled with warmth, inspiration, and a deep sense of belonging. This year, we’ll continue to grow together – rooted and rising, cultivating the future of care farming, together.
Conference Details
Registration
We are committed to making the conference accessible to all, regardless of financial means. We invite you to select the registration tier that most closely matches your resources. To inform your decision, the full cost of conference participation is $415, including $250 for meals. Register by December 12th and save $50!
Scholarship Fund
CFN is committed to reducing barriers to participation by offering need-based scholarships. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as funds allow.
Because our resources are most readily able to support lodging, the scholarship application focuses primarily on assisting with hotel accommodations.
Priority will be given to applicants who are currently working on a care farm, people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities, and others with lived experience directly connected to care farming. That said, all who need support are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be notified no later than January 9, 2026.
We are grateful to our sponsors whose generosity makes scholarships possible.
Conference Venue + Lodging
The 2026 Care Farming Network Conference will take place at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, a lakeside hotel nestled along pedestrian-friendly Lake Rio and just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. You’ll enjoy scenic views, nearby restaurants, and easy access to local activities—all just steps from the conference venue.
Staying at the Marriott means more than convenience: you’ll receive a special discounted rate of $159/night, along with peaceful mornings and lively evenings spent in the company of fellow care farmers. Guests also receive a free drink ticket for our Welcome Reception and a gift bag filled with local goodies from Montgomery County businesses. Book by January 20th to access the discounted rate!
If you would like to arrange a room share or ride share to cut costs, CFN can help coordinate! Contact Sarah at Conference@carefarmingnetwork.org for assistance.
Conference Agenda
Coming Soon: Our CONFERENCE PROGRAM, which includes sessions, speakers, and other conference activities!
Red Wiggler Care Farm Tour + Complimentary Shuttle Service
As both our host farm for 2026 and the organizational home of the Care Farming Network, Red Wiggler Care Farm will welcome conference participants for an inspiring on-farm tour Monday afternoon.
Mission:
Red Wiggler cultivates belonging and well-being through care farming and community-building.
- At Red Wiggler Care Farm, people with and without developmental disabilities come together to work, learn, grow, and share food.
- The Care Farming Network increases capacity, builds community, and raises awareness for care farms across the country. Our vision is to create fertile ground that nourishes a healthy and inclusive community.
This unique opportunity allows you to see an operating care farm in action—an invaluable experience for both new and established care farmers. You’ll hear directly from growers and staff, explore the barn, fields, solar house, and timber-framed main office, and enjoy a warm beverage as you take in the farm’s beauty.
Tour Agenda:
- Overview of RWCF: Learn the history and origin story of Red Wiggler, understand its public/private partnership model, and explore the nitty-gritty of budgeting and staffing.
- Explore Red Wiggler: Experience the farm’s growing & programming space, including the barn, fields and pick-your-own beds, tool shed, pollinator garden, greenhouse, and wash station. You’ll have a chance to see Red Wiggler’s tools, tractors, and implements up close.
- Typical Day: Red Wiggler staff will discuss their workflow and personnel management. Understand their strategies for scheduling growers, volunteers, and staff, as well as ensuring that tasks are well-matched to teammates.
- Wander & Learn: After the tour, you’ll have time to revisit stations of interest and go deeper with the Red Wiggler team.
Shuttle Service
A complimentary shuttle service will bring participants to and from the farm. The tour concludes with our Welcome Reception back at the hotel, where the conversations and connections continue.
Parking at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center is complimentary for both hotel guests and daytime conference attendees.
Shuttle options (select on the registration form):
- 12:30 pm shuttle (returning to the Marriott by 4:00 pm)
- 1:00 pm shuttle (returning to the Marriott by 4:30 pm)
- 2:00 pm shuttle (returning to the Marriott by 5:15 pm)
Conference Add-On: Tour Main Street
Main Street is excited to welcome you to a special presentation for the Care Farming Network on Monday, February 9th at 9:30am to share more about our inclusive community model and how we create opportunities for adults of all abilities to live, learn, and thrive together!
Located in Rockville, Maryland, Main Street is an affordable, accessible, inclusive apartment building and a membership-based community center for adults of all abilities. Main Street empowers people with and without disabilities to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Join us to learn about Main Street’s innovative approach to building both an apartment complex and a community.
Event Details
9:30 AM – Welcome and introductions
9:45–11:00 AM – Main Street presentation
11:00–11:30 AM – Q&A and wrap-up discussion
Space is limited; please register below:
Exhibitors
Does your organization have something to share with the care farming community?
Join us as an exhibitor at the Care Farming Network National Conference—the largest U.S. gathering of care farmers, educators, practitioners, and advocates. Exhibiting connects you directly with passionate leaders in the movement.
Exhibitors enjoy a full day of engagement on Tuesday, February 9th, plus a half-day on Wednesday, February 10th. Tables are strategically placed in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and connections with conference attendees.
Exhibitor Rates:
- Nonprofit: $500 – includes one full conference registration ($395 value)
- Commercial: $700 – includes one full conference registration ($395 value)
What You’ll Receive as an Exhibitor:
- A dedicated 6-foot table with two chairs to showcase your organization (tablecloth provided, or bring your own for a custom look)
- Access to an electrical outlet (please let us know your needs)
Email Conference@carefarmingnetwork.org to register as an exhibitor or for more information.
Care Farm Showcase
Share Your Story in the Care Farm Showcase!
Care farmers, this is your invitation to shine! Join our Care Farm Showcase, a lively and colorful gallery where conference attendees can discover and celebrate the inspiring work happening on care farms across the country.
Bring along visuals that tell your farm’s story — photos, posters, artwork, or a simple table display featuring your products or programs. Whether it’s a handcrafted sign, a stack of brochures, or a few business cards, your presence helps paint the bigger picture of our shared movement.
If you’d like to participate, just let us know on the conference registration form — and get ready to be part of a showcase that celebrates the heart and diversity of care farming!
Travel Information: Air, Train, Bus
✈️ Air Travel
The nearest airports are:
Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 28 miles away
Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 30 miles away
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) – 40 miles away
Travel time to the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center is approximately 35–50 minutes from each airport, depending on traffic.
Metro Access:
Both Dulles (IAD) and Reagan (DCA) airports are accessible by the DC Metro. See the DC Metro section below for more details.
🚌 Bus Travel
Greyhound offers regular service to Washington, D.C. Greyhound stops in the D.C. area. Plan your Greyhound trip here.
Megabus offers service from New York City, Richmond, Philadelphia, and Baltimore to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Plan your Megabus trip here.
🚆 Train Travel
The closest Amtrak stop is Union Station (Washington, D.C.). Plan your Amtrak trip here.
🚇 DC Metro
Red Line: Closest stop to the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center is Shady Grove (4 miles / 9-minute drive). The Red Line also connects directly to Union Station, making it convenient for Amtrak and bus travelers.
Silver Line (Dulles IAD): Runs from Dulles Airport. Transfer to the Orange Line to reach the Red Line at Union Station. Travel time from Dulles to Shady Grove is 80–90 minutes. Learn more about the Silver Line from Dulles.
Yellow & Blue Lines (Reagan DCA): Both lines serve Reagan Airport and connect to the Red Line. Travel time from Reagan to Shady Grove is 50–60 minutes. Learn more about the Metro from DCA.
Explore Beyond the Conference
The conference takes place in beautiful Montgomery County — Maryland’s Cultural Capital, where creativity, community, and good food can be found in abundance. Step outside the hotel and you’ll find yourself on the shores of Lake Rio, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops just a short stroll or bike ride away.
Looking to explore beyond Gaithersburg? Iconic Washington, D.C. landmarks, memorials, and museums are just a quick ride from the hotel — perfect for a little inspiration before or after the conference.
For insider tips and favorite local spots, check out the Red Wiggler Care Farm team’s recommendations by clicking the button below— they’ve rounded up the best ways to eat, explore, and unwind while you’re here.
Accessibility
This conference aims to center individuals with lived experience who work and volunteer on care farms. We seek not only to make this conference accessible to individuals with disabilities, but also to amplify the voices, perspectives, and expertise of care farm participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center provides:
- American Disabilities Act (ADA) approved rooms (first come, first serve) and elevators
- Request an ADA-approved room on the booking site or by calling the hotel. If you call, let them know that you’re attending the CFN Conference
- Fully accessible bathroom in conference wing, plus wheelchair accessible stalls in Men’s and Women’s restrooms
- A Quiet Room for sensory breaks
Red Wiggler Care Farm Tour & Shuttle:
- We’re happy to make accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Please share your accessibility needs in the Registration Form.
Lake Rio features:
- Wheelchair accessibility and free wifi around the lake
- ADA-approved playground
Learn more about Lake Rio’s accommodations here.
Are there additional considerations or supports that would help you fully participate in the conference? We’re happy to make arrangements! Please email Sarah at Conference@carefarmingnetwork.org or let us know in the Registration Form.
AccessibleGO is a full-service travel platform for people with disabilities to book rental cars with hand controls, wheelchair vans, accessible rides, and mobility equipment. Create a free account here.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- All cancellations must be requested in writing by sending an email to conference@carefarmingnetwork.org
- There is a $55 cancellation fee if cancellation is requested by January 6th, 2026
- There is a 50% cancellation fee if cancellation is requested between January 7th-23rd, 2026
- After January 24th, 2026, we will provide a 100% refund for health-related cancellations and other emergencies, at the discretion of Care Farming Network. Refunds are not otherwise available after January 24th, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Care Farming Network National Conference is the largest national gathering of care farmers, educators, social practitioners, and advocates in the United States. Our inaugural 2025 conference welcomed 170 participants from 30 states to Amherst, Massachusetts for what turned out to be an extraordinary event. Our 2026 Conference will build on our initial successes by offering an inclusive, energizing 3-day event featuring care farming speakers, workshops, panels, and a hosted farm tour—all centered on Rooted and Rising: Growing the future of care farming!
Why Sponsor the Care Farming Network Conference?
Sponsoring the Care Farming Network National Conference connects you to a passionate and growing national movement. Our audience includes care farmers, nonprofit leaders, researchers, therapists, disability advocates, extension agents, and farm-based educators—all united by a commitment to healing, inclusion, and community.
We offer diverse sponsorship levels designed to meet your specific needs and interests, each providing unique opportunities for recognition and visibility in print and digital promotional materials in the months leading up to the conference and throughout our event. Becoming a sponsor of the Care Farming Network National Conference is more than just brand exposure—it’s an opportunity to align your organization with a growing, values-driven movement and directly fuel scholarships, accessible programming, and the continued growth of a transformational movement.
Ready to Plant the Seeds of Support?
For questions or to reserve your sponsorship, please contact Kate at: outreach@carefarmingnetwork.org