Through active participation in the rhythmic life of the farm, students are introduced to growing food and the study of nature. They experience the farm individuality as they become part of the relationships between elements, plants and animals. They learn how self-reliance is expressed on a farm where the soil fertility is maintained from within the farm organism. Work brings out the best in all students, as they are challenged to excel as individuals, work together to make a difference, express gratitude and give something back to nature, the land, and each other. It is an experience of a healthy, beautiful, rigorous life style, revealing the reality: what one puts in is what one gets out.

A unique opportunity for students and teachers to spend several days on our biodynamic farm, engaged in age-appropriate farm work projects, chores and talks with our farmer and apprentices.

Older students gain an appreciation of the meaning that work has in the world. As they work alongside the apprentices--young adults who are working, studying, and excited about what they are doing--they see examples of positive action. Discussions are timely. Topics like seed saving versus GMO seeds, resource renewal through composting, and responsible beekeeping, help broaden their environmental awareness and encourage them to make personal choices.

Younger students do lighter work, focused on introducing them to a healthy relationship with the natural world. Their activities are supplemented by their teacher's help in drawing, writing, and processing their experience.

After the farm tour on the first day, daily tasks include (but are not limited to) rotating animal chores (feeding, milking, egg gathering), vegetable garden tasks (preparing beds, tending plants and herbs, harvesting, composting), honeybee observation, and in-depth classroom style discussions on topics economics and botany, to zoology and meteorology. Most activities are in small groups under the direction of a farm apprentice, so learning is optimal. Off hours can be designed by the teacher to include artistic activities, visiting the American River, watching educational videos, and evenings by a campfire.

Our farm, Raphael Garden, with a vegetable garden, orchards and pasture, an olive grove, cows, sheep, chickens and bees, is located at the center of the 13-acre Rudolf Steiner College campus. It supports seasonal fruit and year-round vegetables for a 40-member CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), a large seed saving operation, and the beauty and serenity of a diverse plant and flower life.

There are accommodations for 30 students, teachers and parent chaperons in our rustic campground. We provide tent space, picnic tables, refrigerator space, bathrooms (no showers), and a fire pit. Tents, equipment, food, utensils, and personal items are the responsibility of the class. There will be vegetables, milk and eggs from the garden, depending on availability. Meals are cooked at the campsite, although lunches can be purchased from the College kitchen with prior reservations.

Full- and half-week farm visits can be scheduled in April, May, September, and October. Day visits are also available. For information or to reserve a date, please leave a message for Gabrielle Dietrich at 916-961-8727 ext.158 or email at biodynamics@steinercollege.edu

Biodynamic Farm Visits Flier (PDF)

Faculty Profile

Gabrielle Dietrich

Gabrielle Dietrich trained at Emerson College in England as a certified biodynamic farm manager specializing in horticulture. She has apprenticed on BD farms and gardens in Europe and New Zealand. She works in the gardens at Rudolf Steiner College, where she coordinates the Biodynamic Farm Visit program for school children.

• Faculty