Programs at the Zion Urban Farm
Zion Urban Farm has offered a variety of hands-on workshops, educational trainings, and interactive programs, such as live chef demonstrations and planting classes, to the community. Through these programs, many have been able to learn about a range of aspects relating to the overall food system, from how to grow produce in a dry, desert climate to how to prepare and cook freshly harvest food. In addition, classes have been offered that combine nutrition education with chef demonstrations on how to prepare meals for purposes such as diabetes management. Some of the programs at the Zion Urban Farm include a demonstration orchard, an "Urban Farmers in Training" program for local youth, and programs for seniors that integrate both traditional and advanced agriculture practices such as hydroponics. Also, there are new programs being developed as part of the UCAAT expansion project which will expand the scope of the Zion Urban Farm.
VIDEO: AARP supports the Zion Urban Farm health & wellness program for seniors
AARP has supported the health and wellness programs for seniors offered at Zion Urban Farm through their Community Challenge program. Activities offered promote education, exercise, and gardening experience.
CenterWell and the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center garden program at Zion
CenterWell Primary Care for seniors and the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center in North Las Vegas are partnering with the Zion Urban Farm to offer garden programs that promote health and wellness to their members. In addition to planting, maintaining, and harvesting their own crops, participants can learn and engage with other activities on the farm, to include educational opportunities and access to the community garden park walking path.
Indoor Hydroponics Training Program through the UCAAT at Zion Urban Farm
The Indoor Hydroponics Program at Zion Urban Farm takes place at the onsite Energy Tree Hydroponics Research and Production Lab. The program integrates the science and technology behind advanced agriculture with hands-on training for the operation and maintenance of hydroponics units. In addition, the program utilizes the produce grown in harvesting, food preparation, food storage, and taste testings.
Desert Springs United Methodist "Urban Farmers in Training" Program at Zion
Each month, Desert Springs United Methodist Church brings students to the Zion Urban Farm to experience urban agriculture activities first hand. Students participate in hands-on trainings to include planting, harvesting, and farm maintenance as well as educational trainings. Activities have included topics such as preparing soil for planting, positioning drip irrigation systems for efficient plant growth, and transplanting aloe vera seedlings.
The Zion Urban Farm Orchard Program
The Zion Orchard, which consists of 42 fruit & nut trees featuring over 20 different varieties, has been developed in collaboration with Energy Tree and Nevada Plants and will be expanded through a grant from the USDA Forest Service. For the program, the numerous varietals growing at the orchard serve as a demonstration of what types of fruit and nut trees grow well in Southern Nevada's climate. Tree varieties on display include apples, pears, plums, walnuts, almonds, cherries, citrus, figs, pomegranates, and more.
Gardening and Nutrition Workshops at the Zion Urban Farm
As part of the Zion Urban Agriculture Technical Assistance Program, the Zion Urban Farm has offered hands-on gardening and nutrition workshops to the community. Taught by agriculture & nutrition experts including specialists from the University of Nevada Reno Extension, topics covered have included growing food in the desert, troubleshooting techniques, pest management, soil health, using fertilizers, and healthy food preparation & meal planning.
Live Chef Demonstrations at Zion Urban Farm Featuring Celebrity Chefs
Zion Urban Farm has hosted numerous live chef demonstrations onsite and in the urban farm. These events, which have been open to the community, have been an educational and exciting way to learn how to use fresh fruits and vegetables that grow on the farm. For these demonstrations, chefs start by harvesting food right from the farm and then prepare a creative dish, showing the entire process from picking the food to putting on the final touches.
