CooperRiis: Supporting Mental Health in Community
This episode of the Asheville Area Focus podcast spotlights CooperRiis, a non-profit residential healing community and care farm for adults with mental health challenges in Western North Carolina. CooperRiis President and CEO Eric Levine, Ed.D and Marketing & Outreach Director Jessica Mills take a deep dive into their model in this interview. Learn about CooperRiis’ […]
2026 Conference: Highlights + Presentation Slides
We’re still beaming after the 2026 Care Farming Network National Conference (February 9-11, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, MD). Check out this recap video for a taste of the laughter, learning, and connection enjoyed by attendees. Presentation Slides + Recordings We’re grateful to the dozens of care farmers, researchers, and advocates who shared their knowledge throughout […]
Grant Case Study + Organizational Timeline: Imagine That Farm
Amy Grace, LMFT of Imagine That Farm (Idaho) generously created two new resources for our Resource Library. If you’re looking for support around grant funding, community partnerships, and organizational development, these offerings are for you! Organizational Timeline and Strategy Amy writes: “From the start, collaboration was central. As program strategist, [I] built systems, partnerships, and […]
From Recovery to Stewardship: GAAMHA CEO Shawn Hayden Reimagines Healing
Shawn Hayden entered GAAMHA’s Pathway House in 2009 with little hope and a life unraveling from addiction. Over time, the program’s structure and support helped him rebuild his life, repair his family relationships, and discover a professional path in service to others. That journey led to an unexpected turning point: the creation of GAAMHA’s care […]
Celebrating a Year of Connection: 2025 Highlights
As the year comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the privilege of walking alongside the hundreds of care farms in our network, each one cultivating belonging, health, and well-being. Some of our favorite moments this year were connecting in person, from meeting many of you for the first time at the first-ever Care Farming Network Conference in Amherst, […]
Care Farming Network Completes Mentorship Pilot Program
On November 19th, Care Farming Network and seven mentees and mentors celebrated their completion of the CFN Mentorship Program. In its inaugural year, the program provided beginning care farmers the opportunity to enhance their business and farming practices while increasing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) on care farms. Supported by […]
Care Farming Network Visits Aerry Berry Farm (NY)
On October 25th, Sarah Sorci of Care Farming Network met with Aeryn Boyd at her land in Western New York State. Aeryn is an aspiring care farmer and participant in CFN’s 2025 Mentorship Program. Koi, an experienced urban farmer with a background in social work, joined us to tour the space, discuss ideas for the […]
Gardens Lend Support Across the Lifespan: Resource Library Updates
This month, we’ve added two resources to the Resource Library showcasing the supportive role gardening can play from youth to end of life–including lending support when we are grieving. YOUTH SENSORY GARDENING MANUAL: American Horticultural Society In their Youth Sensory Gardening Manual, the American Horticultural Society looks at what sets a sensory garden apart from […]
Care Farming Network Teams Up With ACRES Project for a Tour & Meetup (PA)
On October 4th, CFN teamed up with Adults Creating Residential Employment Solutions (ACRES) Project (State College, PA) to host a Care Farm Tour & Meetup. Thanks to the Pittsburgh attendees who traveled several hours to join us! Founded in 2017, ACRES Project strives to build a safe, inclusive community that bridges gaps in services […]
Root in Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture Research Database and Videos
Root in Nature™ offers a wealth of therapeutic horticulture resources and professional development materials. This month, we highlighted three in the CFN Resource Library: VIDEO: Therapeutic Horticulture vs. Horticultural Therapy: What’s the Difference? Emilee Weaver, Director of Learning & Community Engagement at Root in Nature™ is often asked, “What is the difference between horticultural therapy […]