Educational Programs | Bovina Center for Sustainability

Experience the Bovina Center Firsthand

Learn how to manage natural resources without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to do the same.

Resiliency in Practice

At the heart of our work, we build sustainable, resilient systems to help feed us and nourish the land. Because true sustainability relies on resilience—the capacity to adapt and recover from challenges—the two principles are inseparable in our approach. They work together to ensure systems can both endure current challenges and last into the future.

We intentionally created a farm as our classroom because agriculture is the ultimate testing ground; every day brings challenges with real-world stakes. The decisions we make often have both immediate results as well as unforeseen future consequences. While we work to eliminate problems, we recognize that some challenges are inevitable and persistent.

Even with the utmost attention and focus, challenges will persist. Therefore, in order to be resilient, we have to become solution-oriented. Instead of dwelling on the fact that there is, or will be a problem, attention and energy is directed toward establishing systematic solutions.

From a practical standpoint, this necessitates the implementation of preventative mechanisms.

At our Center, on this regenerative farm, we:

raise a variety of species
practice multi-species rotational grazing in our pastures
are using animals' innate behaviors and skills to replace machines
grow vegetables in a controlled environment (greenhouse)
preserve and store food
have backups in our food storage systems
use water catchment systems
have installed multiple photovoltaic systems for a variety of purposes
transform external waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs
produce nutrient-rich compost to revitalize our soil's structure and fertility

And, most importantly, we are always observing our current practices and looking for additional new ways to better each and every system.

Upcoming Classes

Discover our hands-on classes to cultivate wellness, sustainability, and a meaningful connection to nature and one's self.

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A large, mature magnolia tree is covered in a profusion of pink blossoms, standing in a grassy area next to a pond or stream. Petals are scattered on the green grass below. Behind it are other trees, some bare, and a yellow flowering bush, under a cloudy sky.

Tree Anatomy Workshop

May 23rd 2026

Join our 4-hour pruning class to learn tree anatomy and read living architecture. Shape your trees for health and for bountiful yields.

A man wearing a navy blue "Delaware County NY" t-shirt and a grey baseball cap is sifting dark soil or compost through a rectangular wooden-framed wire mesh screen into a black wheelbarrow. His hands are actively working the soil on the screen. In the background, there is a pile of soil, a greenhouse structure on the left, and green grass with trees under a cloudy sky.

Composting Workshop

June 13th, 2026

Join Scraps to Soil! Learn the art and science of composting to create nutrient-rich soil while helping the climate and your garden flourish.

A close-up photograph shows a small, vibrant blue flower with a white center, known as a speedwell, blooming in a patch of green grass. Other similar blue flowers are visible but softly blurred in the grassy background, which is illuminated by bright sunlight.

Garden Retreat Workshop

July 18th, 2026

Explore how to build the ideal garden in our discovery workshop. Learn to blend stone hardscapes with vibrant plants for a stunning landscape.

An outdoor farm workstation features a wooden frame with four metal poultry processing cones hanging above a long wooden bench, overlooking a lush green valley and distant mountains.

Butcher and Basket

September 5th, 2026

Join Butcher & Basket. This is a class where we will connect with the origins of our food. Guests will be harvesting produce and proteins.

Sustainability in action-

Rotational grazing

Upcoming Sessions

Experience sustainability. Our immersive sessions address real agricultural issues, promote environmental health, and highlight life's connectedness.

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A close-up photograph of a white-tailed deer looking directly at the camera with a gentle expression, standing in a grassy meadow with blurred trees in the background under soft light.

Overview of Session Programs

For All Sessions

BCS hosts 5-10 day immersion sessions, which allow for gaining stewardship skills and launching an impact project. Click to find out more.

A vibrant purple and pink sunset is perfectly reflected in a still pond, with silhouettes of bare trees and a white fence along the bank.

The Char & Chi Session

One Week TBD

Balance farm labor with forest bathing in our Regenerative Farm & Wilderness Retreat to restore your spirit and the earth.

A top-down photograph captures a collection of six books arranged on a rustic, worn wooden table with blue and brown paint. The titles include "How to Prune Fruit Trees" by R. Sanford Martin, "Shop Class as Soulcraft" by Matthew Crawford, "Pruning & Training" by the American Horticultural Society, "Lunar & Biodynamic Gardening" by Matt Jackson, "Regenerative Agriculture" by Richard Perkins, and "The Bee Book" by DK.

The Circular Farm

One Week TBD

Get your hands dirty with science to build homesteading skills in this climate-smart, one-week farm intensive.

A white livestock guardian dog stands in a green pasture, looking down at a grazing lamb. Behind them are several other sheep and two metal A-frame shelters.

All Have A Role On The Farm

One Week TBD

Students will explore how diverse crops and animals work in partnership to build healthy soil and sustainable food systems.

Pigs-

The farms built-in composters

Upcoming Camps

Give them an experience to remember! Your children will explore nature, bond with animals, and enjoy a perfect balance of guided activities and free-range fun.

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A close-up photograph shows a person wearing a dark blue t-shirt with white lettering that reads "Delaware County NY" and light grey pants, sifting through dark, clumpy soil on a large wooden-framed mesh screen that rests on a wheelbarrow. Their hands are covered in dirt as they work the soil. The background shows a pile of soil and green grass.

Muddy Boots and Barnyard Roots

June 22 - June 26, 2026

Campers build compost and garden beds in our Green Thumb project, learning how soil science creates a happy/healthy environment to grow our food.

A low-angle photograph looks up into the leafy branches of a mulberry tree, with sunlight filtering through the green leaves and clusters of mulberries in varying stages of ripeness, including dark black, red, and pale white berries, against a blue sky.

Planting for the Planet

June 29 - July 3, 2026

Campers plant fruit trees and edible hedgerows to attract pollinators and build a biodiverse habitat in an edible landscape project.

A photograph shows a narrow, rocky creek flowing through a rural field under a blue sky with some clouds. The trees and bushes lining the creek are bare, with no leaves, indicating it is late autumn, winter, or early spring. The creek bed is full of rocks and pebbles, and the banks are eroded in places, showing soil and rocks. On the left, there are several tall, bare trees with thick trunks. In the background, a large, dark mountain rises against the horizon. The overall impression is of a quiet, natural scene in a cool season.

Guardians of the Banks

July 6 - July 10, 2026

Campers work to stabilize creek beds with rocks and native plants, learning about erosion control and conservation.

A wide-angle landscape photograph shows the wooden frame of a large pole barn under construction, situated in a cleared dirt field. The frame consists of vertical posts supporting roof trusses. In the background, there are trees and a field under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. A piece of construction equipment is visible on the left side near the frame.

Pasture Pioneers

July 13 - July 17, 2026

Campers help build a multi-purpose shelter to protect livestock and learn how thoughtful architecture supports animal welfare.

A photograph shows a small, man-made waterfall cascading from a dry-stacked stone wall. Water flows down into a mossy pool below. The wall and the area around the waterfall are covered in lush green moss and various ferns. In the background, there are trees, some with bare branches and others with pink and yellow spring blossoms.

Water Wisdom

July 20 - July 24, 2026

Campers build a dry creek bed to manage winter water runoff and protect the area from future soil erosion - hydrology in action.

An older man in overalls and a cap pours concrete from a white bucket into a wooden form lined with wire mesh, while several children and another adult watch and assist. In the background are a red tractor and a white water tank on a trailer, all in a grassy field.

The Hard Hat Session

July 27 - July 31, 2026

Campers embrace their "maker" roles on the farm, this week's projects highlight the rewards of teamwork and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Inside a large barn with a wooden timber frame and dirt floor, several children sit and relax on top of large, round hay bales. Two adults are also present, one standing and one sitting on a bale. A large white dog stands in the foreground, and a smaller black and white dog lies nearby. The open side of the barn looks out onto a sunlit green field and trees.

The Barnyard Brigade

August 3 - August 7, 2026

Campers will tend animals and build a shade structure, discovering how meaningful work can be fun and beneficial to others.

A top-down photograph of a wicker basket overflowing with freshly harvested produce, including green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, and small yellow and red tomatoes. Next to the basket on the grassy and earthy ground are a bunch of green onions and two large yellow sunflowers.

The Harvest & Hearth Session

August 10 - August 14, 2026

Campers will learn what it takes to grow and harvest food while also preserving it through canning and other methods.

A young girl wearing a floral sun hat and strawberry-patterned boots sits on a mossy patch in a dense forest. Beside her, a large white livestock guardian dog rests in a shallow dirt hole next to a fallen log.

The Biochar & Benevolence

August 17 - August 21, 2026

Campers build DIY tin-can retorts to restore the forest floor, learning how climate-smart biochar helps build healthy soil.

Four dogs, including a black and white dog and a fluffy white dog, wade in and stand around a calm pond in a green field. The background features a line of trees and a large forested hill under a blue sky with thin clouds.

Cloud to Trough

August 24 - August 28, 2026

Campers help design and create a rainwater catchment system. They'll learn how building irrigation systems helps to balance and sustain life.

Friends and nature-

A perfect gathering

Upcoming Events

Join us for inspiring events that nurture community, connection, and a deeper relationship with the land and one another.

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Farmaganza 2026

July 4 - July 5

Join our June 4 - July 5 work party! Celebrate America’s 250th on the farm and build a sustainable future via community labor and play.

Dine on the Land

September 5, 2026

Join our Dine on the Land event! Enjoy a sunset farm tour and field-to-fire feast to support our 2026 education mission.

Climate Week Finale

Sept. (TBD) 2026

Join us this Sept! Leaders and farmers reflect on regenerative agriculture as stewardship during NY Climate Week events.

Season of Plenty

10/10/26 & 10/11/26

Celebrate abundance! Join our Harvest Festival at the Center Oct 10-11, 10am-3pm for u-pick crops and fall colors. No registration necessary.

Book a Tour

Book a tour to explore our farm and experience firsthand the beauty and rhythms of farm life through every season.

Farm Days

Join us for a full day of regenerative farming, where every task nourishes the earth as much as it nourishes the soul.

Farm Stays

Breathe in the crisp, fresh, country air and immerse yourself in the serene rhythms of rural life with a peaceful farm stay retreat.

"All flourishing is mutual."

-Robin Wall Kimmerer

Our team is the heart of the farm, bringing purpose and passion to everything we grow and create together.

Team

Farm Programs in Regenerative Land & Health Practices

Experience the Bovina Center Firsthand

Resiliency in Practice

Upcoming Classes

Discover our hands-on classes to cultivate wellness, sustainability, and a meaningful connection to nature and one's self.

Upcoming Sessions

Upcoming Camps

Upcoming Events

Book a Tour

Farm Days

Farm Stays

"All flourishing is mutual."

"All flourishing is mutual."