Natick Community Organic Farm

CONTACT:

117 Eliot Street (Route 16)
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 655-2204
www.natickfarm.org

Lynda Simkins, Director

DESCRIPTION:

NCOF is an interesting example of how a suburb is, with the help of philanthropy keeping its rural values and heritage alive in educating its children. The Farm was established in 1974 on two acres of Audubon land and sponsored by numerous community organizations, to give at-risk youth a work opportunity raising and selling vegetables. Today it operates a 27-acre town-owned parcel in historic South Natick, annually serving 5,500 students from over 20 partner schools and agencies, receiving 10,000 visitors, and involving citizens and youth from 60 Massachusetts communities. Half of its budget is supplied by income earned from the sale of farm products, program fees, memberships and private donations. Its current mission statement reads: “...providing hands-on education through organic agriculture ... for all ages, year-round.”

Its Summer Children's Program offers children, ages 4-10, experiences in animal care, gardening and nature study. Its Summer Youth Program enables adolescents to operate the working farm and market. The Summer Teen Work Program is an apprenticeship and mentoring program, where participants gain skills including carpentry, mechanics, gardening, animal husbandry, and social skills. To adults, it offers courses in farm-related and environmental education.

(2000: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)