Farm Educator's Roadmap®

Christa Hein
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The Farm Educator's Roadmap® Podcast shares inspiring stories and practical insights to help you turn your passion for farming into powerful, purpose-driven education programs. Hosted by Christa Hein - a farm educator of 30 years and founder of Bring the Farm to You®—this podcast blends heartfelt stories with hard-earned wisdom from educators across the country who are making an impact on family farms, in schoolyards, in cities, suburbs, and everywhere in between. Whether you're dreaming up your first program or expanding an established farm-based business, you'll find real-life insights, practical strategies, and feel-good inspiration in every episode. From hands-on tips to big-picture visioning, this show will help you grow programs that connect people to the land, strengthen your community, and support your livelihood. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s grow the future of farm education—together. Ready to build a farm education program that stands out and attracts clients? Grab my free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Growing and In-Demand Farm Education Program, and start turning your passion into programs that people can't wait to book! https://www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com/5simplesteps

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 46: Fairways to Farm Fields: Transforming a Sprawling Golf Course into a Living Lab at Timberview Farmstead

    When Sarah Siburt stepped away from a 23-year career in public education to become the Executive Director of Timberview Farmstead, she didn't just take on a new job, she stepped onto a 150-acre canvas of pure possibility. Built on the site of a former golf course in South Fort Worth, Texas, this rapidly growing nonprofit teaching farm has undergone a massive transformation to connect a bustling urban community back to the land. Despite opening its doors to the public in 2024, Timberview has scaled its impact at an incredible pace. Today, the campus features livestock barns, a sophisticated aquaponic greenhouse system, robust summer camps, and a long-term middle-to-high-school mentorship program that stays with students until they graduate. In this episode, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of launching a massive farm education project from scratch. She shares how she designed "Educator Preview Days" to solve marketing challenges, how she aligns activities with strict state educational standards, and why a culture of "unreasonable hospitality" is the secret to building a community where everyone feels they truly belong. You’ll Learn: How 150 acres of recreational country club land was strategically re-engineered into a thriving, fully operational educational farm campus, navigating complex pasture, water, and forage setups. Why transitioning from a middle school choir and elementary music teacher to a farm education director felt completely natural. The genius, low-cost marketing strategy Sarah used to quickly fill their field trip schedule and creating an immediate waiting list. Inside Timberview's unique after-school initiative that follows sixth graders all the way through high school graduation. How Timberview uses a closed-circuit aquaculture and hydroponics system as a living laboratory to grow 4,000 heads of lettuce a month, while converting picky eaters on the spot during greenhouse taste tests. What it means to practice "unreasonable hospitality" on a family farm and how to design accessible spaces where neurodivergent, gifted, and special education students can all truly thrive. The practical advice on how to start fundraising for a farm education non-profit from the ground up. Learn more about Timberview Farmstead: 🌐 Website: timberviewfarmstead.com 👍 Facebook: Timberview Farmstead 📸 Instagram: Timberview Farmstead Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 46: Fairways to Farm Fields: Transforming a Sprawling Golf Course into a Living Lab at Timberview Farmstead

  2. Jul 15

    Episode 45: The Shared Pasture: Cultivating Community Ownership and Teaching Regenerative Systems at Codman Community Farms

    When Tana DeSandres looks out at a farm, she doesn't just see agricultural land, she sees an evolving classroom driven by curiosity, empathy, and natural cycles. After spending over three years coordinating the historic education gardens at California's renowned Hidden Villa, a cross-country move brought her to the historic fields of Lincoln, Massachusetts. Today, as the Education Manager for Codman Community Farms, Tana is helping lead a nonprofit community anchor that proves a working regenerative farm can seamlessly weave multiple agricultural enterprises directly into a powerful educational curriculum. Operating its main property while actively managing 150 acres of town-owned land, Codman Community Farms has been a staple of its local community since 1973. In this episode, Tana shares her journey from the foothills of Yosemite to managing farm education on both coasts. We dive into the day-to-day realities of rotational pasture systems, how to translate complex soil health concepts into tangible lessons for young children, and the incredible community connection the farm fosters. You’ll Hear:  🌲How a childhood love for the outdoors and a pivotal college volunteering experience shifted Tana's career path from traditional classrooms to outdoor and farm-based education. 🛠️Key frameworks Tana carried over from her time at Hidden Villa to build deep empathy, up-close plant and animal interactions, and student empowerment. 🐄A look at how Codman uses rotational grazing teach children about the beautiful, regenerative cycle where humans care for animals, and animals care for the soil. 🛒How a 24/7 self-serve farm store operating entirely on the honor system builds deep community trust, fosters local partnerships, and gives their community a true sense of personal ownership over the farm. 📚A behind-the-scenes look at structuring diverse programs, from Little Farmer's Helper afterschool groups and summer Barn Buddies, to adult sustainable landscaping workshops and community farm-to-table dinners. ✨Why Tana stepped away from highly rigid, structured lesson plans to embrace fluidity and capture spontaneous "magical teaching moments" provided by the farm's daily ecosystem. Learn more about Codman Community Farms: 🌐 Website: codmanfarm.org 📸 Instagram: Codman Community Farms Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 45: The Shared Pasture: Cultivating Community Ownership and Teaching Regenerative Systems at Codman Community Farms

  3. Jul 1

    Episode 44: Up-Rooting the Traditional Classroom: Building a Farm-Based Hybrid Homeschool with Wild Wonders

    What happens when a public school teacher realizes the educational system no longer aligns with her core values or the future she envisions for her own children? For Lindsey Vose, it meant choosing a radical pivot: stepping away from financial security, pensions, and traditional benchmarks to build an alternative learning ecosystem completely from the ground up. Today, Lindsey is the founder and owner of Wild Wonders, a thriving hybrid homeschool and farm-based education program in Belgrade, Montana. What started as a tiny summer camp run out of her garage has exploded entirely through word of mouth into an immersive, multi-age program serving 50 students from early childhood all the way through middle school. In this conversation, Lindsey pulls back the curtain on her leap of faith from the public sector, the logistical grit required to scale a rapidly growing model, and how she balances rigorous academic standards with the daily realities of farm life. She shares the profound life lessons that come with teaching kids through nature, her philosophy on community leadership, and what it truly takes to turn an unconventional educational dream into a thriving reality. You’ll hear: 🎒 The specific turning point that caused her to walk away from traditional public schools in search of something better for her daughter. 🚪 What happened when she stepped into the world of non-traditional education, and the exact moment she realized there was no turning back. 🚗 The scrappy origins of her program, which started as a summer camp running out of a single garage. 📈 What it really takes to scale a program to keep up with growing demand from the community. 🧮 The way farm-based projects give children an immediate, real-world purpose for learning core academic subjects. 📋 How a hybrid homeschool structure actually operates behind the scenes while still meeting state standards. 👩‍🌾 The essential leadership advice for identifying your true community and keeping your team genuinely excited to show up every single day. Learn more about Wild Wonders: 🌐 Website: wildwondersmt.com 👍 Facebook: Wild Wonders 📸 Instagram: Wild Wonders Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 44: Up-Rooting the Traditional Classroom: Building a Farm-Based Hybrid Homeschool with Wild Wonders

  4. Jun 17

    Episode 43: Small Acreage, Big Impact: Wellness and Education for Everyone at WEE Farm

    Dr. Bonnie Laabs, an inner-city science teacher, turned her PhD research on trauma and brain development into a thriving nonprofit. In this episode we discuss how she transitioned from a traditional classroom to founding WEE Farm on less than 6 acres right outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is proving that you don't need hundreds of acres to create a powerful, purpose-driven education program. Dr. Laabs dives into the science of why animals are such effective partners in teaching self-regulation and emotional wellness and discusses the creative ways she utilizes her six-acre property. From a "Critter Scene Investigation" forensics camp to a multicultural garden that uses food as a bridge between cultures. Whether you are an educator or a small-scale farmer, this conversation offers profound insights into making farm education accessible and meaningful for everyone. You’ll hear: 🎓 How Bonnie’s background as a science teacher and her research into trauma led her to bring animals into the educational process in her classroom. 🚜 The personal leap of faith Bonnie and her husband took selling their city home to establish a farm that bridges the gap between science, education, and therapeutic wellness for inner city children. 🐎 Why Bonnie views her horses as partners rather than tools, and the science behind Equine Gestalt Coaching. 🕵️ A look at unique programs like "Little Vet Camp" and "FBI Mystery Spy" that engage kids in STEM and agriculture. 🪴 How the Multicultural Learning Garden uses shared recipes and diverse crops to build community and celebrate different heritages. 📍 Practical advice on maximizing small spaces; proving that you don't need a large property to offer farm education. 🤝 Why building a network of experts and community support is the most vital step for any aspiring farm educator. Learn more about WEE Farm: 🌐 Website: weefarm.org 👍 Facebook: WEE Farm 📸 Instagram: WEE Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 43: Small Acreage, Big Impact: Wellness and Education for Everyone at WEE Farm

  5. Jun 3

    Episode 42: The Immersive Apprenticeship: Training the Next Generation of Farmers at Deck Family Farm

    Christine Deck’s journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in a desire to rewrite her family’s history. After watching generations of farmers forced out by the "get big or get out" era, she and her husband founded Deck Family Farm in Junction City, Oregon, as a diversified, regenerative haven. Today, the farm is a thriving ecosystem of cattle, heritage pigs, dairy, and a full-farm CSA, all serving as a living classroom for the next generation of agricultural leaders. This conversation dives into the heart of their year-long apprenticeship program, where students are treated as more than just hands—they are future business owners. Christine discusses the necessity of rotating through the enterprises to learn the background and numbers behind the business, the power of living in an intentional farm community, and her bold plans to preserve this land forever through a farmland trust. You’ll hear: • 🌱 How the loss of family farms in California fueled Christine’s passion to ensure the next generation has the skills to stay on the land. • 🐄 A look at managing a farm model that includes everything from 600 heritage pigs to a working dairy and a full farm CSA. • 🎓 Why Christine shifted from volunteer help to paid staff that act as mentors for their year-long, enterprise-based learning apprenticeships for students. • 📈 Why their apprenticeship program prioritizes teaching financials and marketing alongside daily animal care to ensure students can actually make a living. • 🏡 The impact of immersive education and "on-farm" living, where learning happens everywhere from the dawn chores to the dinner table. • 📜 How putting land into a trust ensures it remains a farming resource for future operators. Learn more about Deck Family Farm: 🌐 Website: https://www.deckfamilyfarm.com/ 👍 Facebook: Deck Family Farm 📸 Instagram: Deck Family Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 42: The Immersive Apprenticeship: Training the Next Generation of Farmers at Deck Family Farm

  6. May 20

    Episode 41: Healing the Land: A Scientist's Living Classroom at Prairie Winds Nature Farm

    Dr. Charlotte Wolfe didn’t just set out to build a farm; she set out to restore an ecosystem. After decades as an environmental scientist, she took 85 acres of industrial corn and soybean land in Indiana and began the slow, quiet work of bringing back the prairie and the wetlands. What started as a personal restoration project soon grew into Prairie Winds Nature Farm, a place where the land itself has become the primary educator for thousands of children and adults. Through long-term partnerships with local schools and a deep-seated belief that nature never disappoints, Charlotte has created a model for farm-based education that is as much about ecology as it is about connection. Whether she is discussing the "heart connection" kids form with the soil or the confidence built while working with horses, Charlotte’s journey is a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the gap between scientific restoration and agricultural education. You’ll hear: 🧬 How a deep background in environmental science and ecology became the foundation for transforming industrial farming land into a diverse habitat. 🏫 How teaching a single child sparked a natural evolution into structured partnerships with local Montessori and homeschool groups. 🚜 The diverse educational landscape at Prairie Winds, from seasonal school visits and immersive day camps to university-level internships. 🐎 Why managing a horse team serves as a unique tool for teaching older students confidence, empathy, and rotational grazing. 💡 Critical advice for aspiring educators on why you should build your "dirt skills" and volunteer before committing to land ownership. Learn more about Prairie Winds Nature Farm: 🌐 Website: https://www.prairiewindsnaturefarm.com/ 👍 Facebook: Prairie Winds Nature Farm Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 41: Healing the Land: A Scientist's Living Classroom at Prairie Winds Nature Farm

  7. May 13

    Episode 40: From Consultation to Confidence: Teaching the Skill that Feeds a Lifetime with Earth’s Garden

    When Dr. Camille Lewis looks at a garden, she doesn't just see plants—she sees a classroom, a community lifeline, and a bridge to a more resilient future. Based in Tallahassee, Florida, Camille founded Earth’s Garden LLC to transform urban spaces into vibrant hubs of agriculture and STEM learning, drawing on her deep roots in a multi-generational farming family and her career as a dedicated educator. In this episode, Camille shares how she moved beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom to build a for-profit consulting model that empowers schools and families to grow their own food. We dive into the intersection of educational psychology and agriculture, discussing how to turn "food apartheids" into landscapes of opportunity and how to help teachers find their own connection to the land—even if they’re a little afraid of the bugs. ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How a long family line of educators and farmers provided the foundation for Camille’s unique career path. 🏘️ How Earth’s Garden was born during COVID to provide food security and practical skills to her community in need. 🏢 The strategic decision to build a consulting business that values professional expertise and creates a sustainable livelihood for her family. 🛠️Insights into how she builds garden infrastructure and curriculum for schools so they can sustain their own programs 🔬 How she integrates science, technology, engineering, and math into her youth summer camps. 🛶 Lessons from the "Brilliant Resilience" program on connecting urban youth to nature to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. 🚀The challenges of building a business from scratch and the power of surrounding yourself with other mission-driven entrepreneurs. Learn more about Earth's Garden LLC: 🌐 Website: https://www.earthsgardenllc.com/ 👍 Facebook: Earth's Garden LLC 📸 Instagram: Earth's Garden LLC Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 40: From Consultation to Confidence: Teaching the Skill that Feeds a Lifetime with Earth’s Garden

  8. May 6

    Episode 39: Creating a Natural Space for Healing: The Lands at Hillside Farms

    When Abby Collins started working at The Lands at Hillside Farms at fifteen years old, she was serving ice cream. Today, she’s helping lead a 438-acre community anchor that proves a farm can be so much more than just a place where food is grown. Hillside isn't just a dairy farm; it is a sanctuary. Through intentional design and a "give, give, give" philosophy inherited from their founder, Abby and her team have woven together agriculture, mental health, and education to support those who need it most. From vocational programs for students with disabilities to a Care Farming initiative for children navigating profound trauma, this episode explores what happens when the land becomes a partner in healing. Abby shares the heart-tugging reality of "the animals just knowing" and how a small team manages to thrive in the chaos of a mission-driven life.   ✨ You’ll hear: 🌱 How Abby grew from an ice cream parlor employee to the Director of Education and Events helping the farm reach its 20th anniversary. 🌳 The legacy of Dr. Doug Ayers and the mission to leave the land better for those who will use it 200 years from now. ⚓ The transition from a family-owned farm to a public resource that the community truly "owns." 🧑‍🌾 How Hillside is providing vocational training for students with disabilities, from greenhouse work to selling produce at local markets. 🤝 How Hillside leverages relationships with mental health counselors, occupational therapists, and food dignity programs to scale their impact. 🐄 How intentional animal-to-student pairings create breakthroughs for children with complex medical and emotional needs.  ✨ Abby’s advice for farm educators: embracing failure, listening to your community, and continuing to evolve Learn more about The Lands at Hillside Farms: 🌐 Website: https://www.thelandsathillsidefarms.org/ 👍 Facebook: The Lands at Hillside Farms 📸 Instagram: @landsathillsidefarms Farm Educator’s Roadmap:   🌐Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com                                                         📘 Free Guide: 5 Simple Steps to Growing an In-Demand Farm Education Program                 📸 Instagram: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                     👍 Facebook: @farmeducatorsroadmap                                                                                       👩‍🌾 Join the Private Facebook Group: Join us!

    Episode 39: Creating a Natural Space for Healing: The Lands at Hillside Farms
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Farm Educator's Roadmap® Podcast shares inspiring stories and practical insights to help you turn your passion for farming into powerful, purpose-driven education programs. Hosted by Christa Hein - a farm educator of 30 years and founder of Bring the Farm to You®—this podcast blends heartfelt stories with hard-earned wisdom from educators across the country who are making an impact on family farms, in schoolyards, in cities, suburbs, and everywhere in between. Whether you're dreaming up your first program or expanding an established farm-based business, you'll find real-life insights, practical strategies, and feel-good inspiration in every episode. From hands-on tips to big-picture visioning, this show will help you grow programs that connect people to the land, strengthen your community, and support your livelihood. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s grow the future of farm education—together. Ready to build a farm education program that stands out and attracts clients? Grab my free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Growing and In-Demand Farm Education Program, and start turning your passion into programs that people can't wait to book! https://www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com/5simplesteps

Information

  • Creator
    Christa Hein
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Farm Educator's Roadmap®
  • Show Website
    Farm Educator's Roadmap®

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