Sustainable agriculture awareness and work experience is the Arcata Educational Farm's foremost mission.
This 3 acre farm is a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture establishment) that exemplifies good land stewardship combined with social and economic sustainability; it connects local farmers, students, residents, and interns through hands-on agricultural education and experience. The farm's organic produce is sold as shares to members/shareholders. Since it's inception, the farm has acted as an incubator to fledgling farmers by providing a space for the development of practical skills in organic and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 20 years, generations of students farmers have brought quality produce to our community through a model of Community Supported Agriculture.
History[edit | edit source]
Community Supported Agriculture began at Bayside Park in 1993 when a group of Humboldt State University professors (including Susan Ornelas and Deborah Giraud) approached Arcata City Manager Alice Harris about the potential of partnering with the city to create an Educational Farm.
The Bayside Park Farm became the first CSA in Arcata and is funded to this day by the community; shareholders pledge their support in the spring and receive a share of the harvest every week for the growing season. As well as being a running CSA, the Bayside Park Farm is a permaculture park, demonstrating sustainable farming practices and appropriate means of energy use. Over the years, this farm has been managed by many generations of student farmers. Many notable farmers within the community learned how to farm here.
In 2000 a series of community visioning meetings were held in which the community celebrated the value of the Bayside Park Farm and created the framework for the addition of a Community Garden onsite adjacent to the Farm. Additionally, it was during this time, that the site (which had formerly been zoned as a soccer field) was deemed as a wetland.
In 2010 the Bayside Park Farm became a program under the City of Arcata with Educational Farmers working as employees of the City.
It has recently been renamed as Bayside Park Farm, but both names are acceptable:)
Location[edit | edit source]
The Arcata Educational Farm/Bayside Park Farm is located at:
- 930 Old Arcata Road
- Arcata, CA 95521
Hours[edit | edit source]
- Sunrise-Sunset
- 7 days a week
[edit | edit source]
Farm shares are currently available, so sign up today. This season's harvest will be 22 weeks and will include a large variety of vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Community Garden[edit | edit source]
Community Garden Individual garden plots are available. Grow your own organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers for your family. Join the community of gardeners and share in the growing vision as the garden takes shape and develops. Annual Fee: 4'x25' plot $75.00 /$85 non-residents Call 707.822.7091 or email rec@cityofarcata.org.
Community Supported Agriculture[edit | edit source]
At Bayside Park, $450 will get you 21 weeks of fresh fruits and veggies. That's about $21 per week, and a lot of fresh produce.
Contact information[edit | edit source]
Email the farm at baysideparkfarm@cityofarcata.org. For shares, you may also reach the farm by phone at (707) 382-8273. Like us on Facebook!
Internships[edit | edit source]
The farm does have internships in spring, summer, and fall. If you would like to know more, contact the farm.
