Our apprenticeship training program is designed
to train participants in the art and science of forest ecology, and equip them
with practical skills and experience in management of productive agroforestry systems as they learn from experienced foresters and farmers.
We focus on taking the time to support individual learning and skill building
in this four-month experiential educational program.
“This program is a completely immersive experience
into the world of agroforestry. Time spent cultivating mushrooms, learning
proper chainsaw use, rotationally grazing sheep, and learning forestry
principles left a profound impact on my life. I learned and grew more than I
ever could have hoped.” -- Wyatt, 2016 Participant
During the
summer program, trainees live on-farm or commute to the site two days a week
and learn by engaging in the production of mushrooms, duck eggs, pastured lamb,
and small fruits.
Apprentices also participate in all our educational programming and learn skills, including chainsaw safety and use of a scythe and other hand tools.
Learning
on a working forest farm broadens understanding of forest farming,
agroforestry, permaculture, and forest gardening systems, providing training in
the technical and business skills required to run a small farm or homestead.
The Summer
session runs June 1 -
October 1 with work days on Mondays and Thursdays each week. End date is
flexible.