The Organic Farm is one of Evergreen’s most iconic institutions, founded in 1972 as an answer to the back-to-the-land movement and concerns about industrial agriculture. It has always served as an outlet for hands-on learning, ecologicalstewardship, and community engagement. After a COVID-related lull, the farm is prospering anew. A host of ambitious initiatives for its future are now being implemented by a new crop of enthusiastic and thoughtful students. Together with faculty, they are reviving a robust system of regenerative agriculture—including sheep, bees, cover cropping, composting, and minimal tillage. At the heart of this innovation is an Integrated Data Management System—designed to optimize operations and provide rich, real-world learning opportunities for students.
The Practice of Organic Farming Program is a three-quarter program—typically spanning spring, summer, and fall—that delves deeply into sustainable food production through the lens of the three pillars of sustainability: economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Students will develop scientific knowledge of organic and sustainable growing practices while honing observation and critical thinking skills essential to ecologically responsible farming. Beyond cultivation techniques, the program integrates practical training in farm management and small business operations, empowering students with the tools and support to run a sustainable farm from both an environmental and entrepreneurial perspective.
Farm planning, finances, and marketing are critical to maintain the campus farm’s operating budget and community base of support; students in this program are immersed in iterative cycles of analyzing production and market data, setting sales goals and operating budgets, crop planning, seeding schedules, market stand sales, and nurturing customer relationships. Community connections are a paramount part of our success as a program, and we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with our community members.
WHAT’S EMERGING:
There are some exciting new additions to the Organic Farm – there are now five new beehives! Thanks to the hard work of the Bee Club and generous support from our community, these bees are settling in nicely.
Special thanks to Evergreen’s Sustainability in Prisons Project, Woods Bee Company, and the Olympia Beekeepers Association for their incredible contributions. They provided the hives, essential tools, and bee suits to help make this project possible. As well as Inspire Olympia grant that funded this project!
The Beekeeping Club has plenty of exciting plans in the works! They are looking forward to expanding their efforts by offering beekeeping certification courses, teaching hands-on classes, and hosting open hive inspections where students and community members can get an up-close look and help care for the bees. They are also planning on harvesting honey this September!
Join them on Wednesday, May 14th at The Farm for a hands-on learning opportunity during an open hive inspection. It’s a great chance to see the bees in action and learn more about their care. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, feel free to reach out through the Evergreen Beekeepers Instagram account: @evergreenbeekeepers.
MARKET STAND
The market stand is flourishing this year with fresh produce and beautiful flowers! Swing by every Tuesday from 3–6 PM at the Red Square, as well as some Thursdays, (check social media for when that will be). Enjoy live music as you shop, and don’t forget, students receive 50% off all produce and eggs!
A few things we are proud to sell at our Market include:
- Mixed Vegetables
- Greenhouse Crops
- Berries
- Tree Fruit
- Ornamentals/Flowers
- Microgreens
- Culinary Herbs
- Jams!!! (literal fruit jam and live music)
We’re currently looking for musicians to bring some music to the market. If you’re interested in playing, please reach out to Seanna at seanna.v@evergreen.edu. we’d love to hear you play!
It’s been a busy spring on the farm! Our dedicated student farmers have been hard at work planting a wide variety of crops. In week 3, cabbage and broccoli went into the ground. We also have a wide selection of plant starts available at the market stand. Our tomato starts include many unique varieties such as Magic Bullet, New Girl, Cherry Bomb, Granadero, Cherokee Purple, and Taxi. Pepper starts are coming soon—keep an eye out, they’ll be arriving at the stand shortly!
Want to get involved? Come visit the farm on Fridays from 9 am-12 pm. It’s a great way to get your hands dirty, learn about sustainable agriculture, and be part of our growing community. Have questions? Email us at organicfarm@evergreen.edu.
INFO & HOURS OF OPERATION
MARKET STAND:
Tuesdays: Red Square 3-6pm
Thursdays: check social media each week
FARM VISITOR Hours:
Monday + Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday + Thursday: 9am-6pm
Friday: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
FARM VOLUNTEER Hours:
Wednesday: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @theorganicfarm, @evegreenbeekeepers
Facebook: The Organic Farm at Evergreen
