Our Programs
Black Thumb Farm’s programming focuses on educating youth and community in restoring the vital, broken connections of communities with nutritious food and the land. Food is grown sustainably and with an eye on long-term soil health. Our approach aims to reclaim our collective sovereignty through a more intentional connection with land and food, while also building a wide range of highly marketable conservation, outreach, and advocacy job skills.
Farm Hands Program
January - May
Designed for high school youth, our Farm Hands are introduced to farming and gardening education that teaches the histories of traditional farming practices, crediting the sources, most of which are Indigenous, Afro-centric, and Asian. They work the land alongside our team and Lead Educator to practice and continue these closed circle processes. We also have guest teachers come share expertise with us, including how to run small food-oriented businesses, growing unique and indigenous varieties of crops, cooking and food preparation, and more.
Neighborhood Nourishments
February-March-October-December
Free and Donation-based workshops and events that are open to the community and meant to nourish all that attend, mind, body, and soul. Topics ranging from Dia de los Muertos, gardening tips, yoga, nutrition, cooking, and more are covered. We aim to give everyone that enters our space a grounding experience rooted in the Earth and community knowledge. Our workshops are led by team members, BTF Fellows, and guest speakers.
Youth in Bloom
July - August
Youth in Bloom is designed to provide teens age 14-19 work experience, mentorship, and industry skills toward your future career! Youth will work with the Black Thumb Farm team to work the farm while also learning life skills relevant to being in the workforce and working in community. This 6 week summer program supports, and is supported by, our Whatley Shares (our CSA program), linking our community together from customer to program participant.
Farm Visits
Wednesdays - Fridays for 3 hours, beginning at 8:30 am
Designed with high school students in mind, join us at the farm for a field trip experience rooted in empowerment and food sovereignty.
Youth are immersed in the work and joy of the farm, participating in a range of activities.
We also welcome groups of adults from non-profits, social clubs, corporate businesses, and community organizations to our farm with age-appropriate activities.
Black Thumb Gardens
September-June
Black Thumb Farm maintains school garden programs at two schools in the San Fernando Valley, Stoney Point High School and Valor Academy High School. We invite youth to learn to farm and garden in ways that benefit people as well as the natural environment. We teach the histories of traditional farming practices and work the land to continue these closed circle processes. Our intention is to empower students to fight for food sovereignty in their communities as well as give them access to a safe, green space where they can explore their own passions and connection to the land amongst their peers.