Learning Farm/Eco Center Comes to Northern New Jersey

Learning Farm Coming to Northern New Jersey

 City Green Breaks Ground on Learning Farm and Environmental Center

City Green, a community garden and environmental education non-profit, has broken ground and begun a major fundraising effort for their new Learning Farm in Clifton which will serve Northern New Jersey residents, schools, and organizations.

The City Green Learning Farm, located at Schultheis’ Farm on Grove St., will become the region’s only Farm Eco-Center supporting education in areas such as environmental awareness, sustainable agriculture, and healthy food.

“Through educational agriculture programs students, families and groups will learn first hand where their food comes from, how to make healthy food choices, and how to be participants in sustaining their community and the environment of the world they live in, “ explained Jennifer Papa, Executive Director of City Green.

The Learning Farm, designed by Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction, is being created as a one-acre multi-use natural area comprised of different agricultural features such as: The Barnyard; The Farm; The Sustainability Center; The Native American Prairie; an Amphitheater for educational programming and staged performances and a Learning Pavilion for activities and gathering.

City Green, who installed and currently runs a Learning Garden at Eastside Park in Paterson, facilitates 10 Environmental Clubs in Paterson and Jersey City schools, and over 45 school gardens in northern New Jersey is conducting a major fundraising effort to support this new project. Naming opportunities are available for larger donations.

“This is our most exciting project to date, ” explained Ms. Papa.  “ This larger space will enable us to have a tremendous impact on an even greater number of families and students, exposing them to growing healthy food and environmental education.” Programming will provide hands on learning opportunities and will include school field trips, Girl Scout and Boy Scout badge programs and family workshops.

Volunteers are welcome. Once the project is completed, on-going volunteer opportunities will include "Docents" for greeting visitors and assisting with educational programs; farm and garden maintenance; support for school and camp field trips; and support for fundraising events held at the location.

City Green will hold an Open House on April 27th between 10:30 and 2:30  (rain date April 28th).  Attendees will be able to see the progress on the new Learning Farm, and participate in family activities, composting demonstrations, refreshments as well as learn about upcoming programming at City Green.

City Green, Inc. a non-profit 501(c) 3 urban farming, community garden, and environmental education organization based on Grove Street, Clifton NJ, offers practical, technical and financial support to revitalize urban communities through agriculture. 

For more information about the City Green Learning Farm, contact Jennifer Papa, Executive Director at 973-800-8197 or info@city-green.org. or visit www.citygreenonline.org.