At NorthBay Education, we believe in learning by doing—immersing students in experiences that shape their understanding of the world and their place within it. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Rising Tide Farm, a world-class educational farm designed to connect students with the food they eat, the land that sustains them, and the communities they call home.
Why Rising Tide Farm, and Why Now?
We live in a time of growing disconnection from our food sources. The average meal travels over 1,400 miles to reach our tables, and more than 73% of grocery store items are ultra-processed. Meanwhile, fewer than 2% of American families are involved in farming. This detachment from our food systems contributes to environmental harm, food insecurity, and a lack of understanding about the impact of our choices on our health and the planet.
Rising Tide Farm is here to change that. By providing hands-on, immersive experiences, we will empower students to engage with food production in a meaningful way—learning how crops are grown, how sustainable practices benefit ecosystems, and how mindful choices can shape a healthier future.
What Students Will Experience at Rising Tide Farm
Rising Tide Farm will integrate modern farming technology with traditional homesteading practices, offering students a dynamic, interactive learning environment. The farm will feature:
🌱 Organic Soil Beds for Vegetable Production – Students will plant, tend, and harvest crops using biodynamic gardening methods, no-till agriculture, and automated drip irrigation for sustainability.
📚 Outdoor Classrooms – Learning spaces throughout the farm will host lessons on food production, environmental science, and personal development, turning nature into a living textbook.
🐟 Aquaponics & Food Forest – Students will explore water-based farming systems and self-sustaining food ecosystems, seeing firsthand how trees, shrubs, and perennials can produce food with minimal input.
🐐 Livestock & Animal Care – With hands-on opportunities to care for chickens, rabbits, and goats, students will learn responsibility, animal husbandry, and the role of livestock in sustainable farming.
♻️ Sustainability in Action – Through rainwater collection, composting, pollinator gardens, and biochar production, Rising Tide Farm will teach students how regenerative practices sustain both land and life.
But the lessons here extend beyond agriculture. As students nurture plants and animals, they cultivate patience, resilience, and responsibility. They learn that growth takes time, that every action has an impact, and that mindful decisions shape a healthier, more sustainable world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rising Tide Farm
Over the coming months, we will prepare the land, build teaching spaces, and develop an engaging curriculum that immerses students in every step of the farming process. From planting seeds to harvesting produce, from cooking fresh meals to discussing sustainability, Rising Tide Farm will offer a transformative learning experience unlike any other.
Beyond our core school programs, the farm will also host:
- Volunteer Days – Welcoming families, corporate groups, and community members to get involved.
- Seasonal Events & Festivals – Celebrating the rhythms of the farming year with hands-on activities.
- Farm-Grown Products – Featuring student-grown herbs, vegetables, and even farm-to-table goods for educational initiatives.
Rising Tide Farm isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing students into thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand their impact on their communities and the environment. By fostering a deep connection to nature and sustainability, we are planting the seeds for a healthier future—one student at a time.
Stay tuned for updates as we build Rising Tide Farm into a thriving center for hands-on learning and community engagement. The tide is rising—are you ready to grow with us?
