We're excited to share our second Care Farming Network newsletter! The Care Farming Network brings together farms and agriculture based programs working specifically with neurodiverse populations and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

In this issue of our newsletter, check out our new video, learn about what we've been discussing the past months, and read about care farms doing some amazing work. We look forward to connecting with you in the future!

We're thrilled to share this video highlighting Care Farming: an agricultural practice that values the process as much as the product. Witness how connecting to nature and community creates thriving Care Farms. Big thanks to Red Wiggler Community Farm, The CP Project, A Farm Less Ordinary, and Blawesome for sharing your stories.

The Care Farming Network has built an interactive online map highlighting Care Farms across the country.This tool can filter by region, showing you a nearby Care Farm where you can click and learn more about them. You are welcome to add your Care Farm to the list! 

Know of any Care Farms that are not part of our network? Email carefarm@redwiggler.org to let us know about them!

We are excited to have two new contractors join our Care Farming Network Team! Kate Mudge will coordinate outreach, communications, and events for the Care Farming Network; and Gabrielle will focus on the Care Farming Network’s social media strategy.

The Care Farming Network coordinated and hosted two Care Farming panels in the Mid-Atlantic area during the winter conference season. As part of the panels, we raised awareness: “What is Care Farming”, highlighting the benefits and diversity of Care Farms.

Read more about Future Harvest's panel discussion "Farming with Social Purpose" here.

Read more about PASA's panel discussion "Farming for Therapy for Marginalized Individuals" here.

Homefields Care Farm is Lancaster County’s longest-running community-supported agriculture program and has created vocational and volunteer opportunities for hundreds of people who have a disability or other barriers to traditional employment.Their mission is to nurture meaningful experiences that connect people of all abilities to each other and to the land. 

TALMAR Horticultural Therapy Center is dedicated to enhancing health for people of all ages and abilities through horticulture and offers an innovative, therapeutic, vocational environment designed particularly for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions that impact their health and well-being. Located in Baltimore, TALMAR grows vegetables, cut flowers, and herbs and raises chickens for eggs while also providing sustainable agriculture training for military veterans seeking mental health treatment.

• A Farm Less Ordinary, Third Annual Feast in the Fields, Saturday, June 25

• Red Wiggler Community Farm, Farm Tour (Care Farming/Care Farming Network tour at 2:15 pm), Saturday, July 23

• Full Pocket Farm, Summer of Fun Party, Saturday, August 21

• Homefields Care Farm, Picnic in the Fields, Saturday, September 25

If you would like to submit an event to be considered for listing in our newsletter, please send an email to carefarm@redwiggler.org.

Are you an existing Care Farm looking to grow? Or just exploring starting a Care Farm? In partnership with Red Wiggler Community Farm, the Care Farming Network offers consultations focused on starting, building, and growing Care Farms. Learn more about consultations here.