On July 10, Care Farming Network visited two beautiful care farms in the Rochester, New York region: EquiCenter and Homesteads for Hope. Special thanks to Homesteads for Hope for co-hosting a care farm tour!
EquiCenter
EquiCenter is a non-profit organization located on 200 acres in Honeoye Falls, NY. They are a premier accredited member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). Their Adaptive Riding Program began in 2004 with only a few horses and participants. Since then, the herd has grown to 30 and their Equine Programs serve over 190 participants each week.
EquiCenter offers a wide range of additional programs. Katie Nuber, Director of Therapeutic Horticulture at EquiCenter, gave us a tour of the gardens, greenhouse, horse pastures, and indoor program facilities. Below are a few highlights:
Therapeutic Horticulture
EquiCenter’s 1-acre garden hosts a wide range of programming, including Veteran Farm + Wellness, youth summer camps, classes for adults (veterans attend for free!), and more. In-ground beds, raised beds, and vertical trellising accommodate a wide range of participants. In 2024, 14,000 pounds of produce were donated to local non-profits that address food insecurity and support veterans and survivors of domestic violence.
In the greenhouse, trellised cucumber plants reached above our heads, allowing gardeners to harvest from a standing position. Katie noted that these plants experienced significant aphid damage early in the season. EquiCenter’s Farm Friends program participants were invited to design an Integrated Pest Management plan to sustainably manage this issue. This group of young adults introduced ladybugs to the greenhouse, successfully minimizing aphid damage. Farm Friends provides adults with opportunities to engage in meaningful nature-based learning while building friendships and exploring new interests.
Trillyum Food Farmacy
In EquiCenter’s kitchen space, Trillyum Food Farmacy participants chatted while preparing lunch together with fresh produce. Trillyum Food Farmacy is a partnership between EquiCenter, Trillium Health, and Headwater Food Hub. Trillium Health patients experiencing food insecurity or diet-related health conditions receive a nutrient-dense box of fresh produce from Headwater Food Hub each month. Some patients are selected to participate in a nutrition education program at EquiCenter, where they learn to grow vegetables and prepare them in healthy meals.
Mission Mustang®
Katie showed us pastures dedicated to rescued wild horses, or mustangs. These horses have lost their habitat in the Western United States, and they must adapt to humans before they can safely be sold or ridden. EquiCenter partnered with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop Mission Mustang®, a national program that pairs veterans battling PTSD with mustangs experiencing the same feelings of loss and anxiety. Under the guidance of professional mustang trainers, veterans gentle the mustangs and prepare them to find new homes. Through this process, both the veterans and mustangs find connection and healing.
Homesteads for Hope
Homesteads for Hope participants, staff, and volunteers provided an outstanding tour. In the farm store, visitors learned from Anna, who has been helping customers for several years. Anna shared some of her favorite farm store products, including those created by Homesteads for Hope participants.
Gianni, Kate, and Mariah (Program Coordinator) shared their experiences raising ducks and goats, the new U-pick flower garden, and growing crops. 150 varieties are currently cultivated, mostly for Community Supported Agriculture shares. They also explained how tasks are divided up at the farm. Participants often choose which activities they wish to work on, though sometimes it’s all hands on deck!
Angus, Michael, Zach, and Steve were assisting CSA members with their produce pickup, and they explained the pickup process to us. They also showed off the uniquely shaped vegetables that some members are lucky to receive! Homesteads for Hope currently offers 150 shares, including half shares.
In the Forever Homestead Community Center, Emily showed us the community kitchen where classes and in-house catering take place. Emily shared some of the tools they use to make delicious meals and showed off the apprentice-made artwork in the building.
Nora (Director of Development) explained the Pave the Way Campaign, which has funded expanded electricity and heating in every building, paving around the farm, and new siding, doors, and windows on barns. Nora also shared that the residential component of Homestead for Hope’s vision is now in process! Housing will be built on the same property as the farm operation, providing ample opportunity for residents to get involved. Residents will enjoy a movie theater, barber shop, gym, and more on-site. We’re excited to see their next chapter unfold!
