About

How we got started
In 2008 Conservation Corps North Bay, College of Marin, UC Cooperative Extension – Marin and other partners embarked on a landmark project to establish the Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden – a 5.8 acre certified organic education farm and garden located at College of Marin's Indian Valley Campus. As the first educational and training center of its kind in the North Bay, the Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden is instrumental in:

Green jobs training for young people
The Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden provides Conservation Corps North Bay's corpsmembers with valuable year-round paid work study, job training, and education opportunities designed to help them obtain jobs in some of the North Bay's fastest growing green jobs sectors. As part of their work study experience at the Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden, corpsmembers are for responsible for maintaining the garden infrastructure. Apply to become a Farm Corpsmember.
Training the next generation of sustainable agriculture and horticulture professionals
As the cornerstone for College of Marin’s broader Environmental Landscaping program, the popular Principles & Practices of Organic Farming core class offers a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstration for people interested in sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Through these programs students can obtain their Associate's Degree or earn career certificates. The newly created Occupational Work Experience Program and first State Approved Apprenticeship Program for Organic Farming and Gardening gives students the opportunity to continue their education by combining academic studies, with practical, on the job experience.

Hands-on agriculture & food systems education for middle & high school students
The Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden aims to provide 450 middle and high school students annually with hands-on garden projects and food systems/sustainability lessons designed to teach them about the interconnectedness of healthy food, environmental sustainability, public health, and related career opportunities. Students will take part through school field trips and community service days. Student garden projects and food systems/sustainability lessons will be led by UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, local farmers, and other community partners. Contact our volunteer hotline at 415 454-4554 ext. 276. For any group of 10 people or more of high school age or below who want to volunteer or visit the Farm, please register at 415-663-9667 with Marin Organic through their organized Farm Day events.

Community learning opportunities
Additionally, the site hosts a variety of public workshops in sustainable horticulture and healthy food systems, which are taught by College of Marin, UC Cooperative Extension-Marin Master Gardeners, local farmers, and other guest lecturers. The general public also has the opportunity to participate in private tours of the Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden's many demonstration gardens and sustainability exhibits. Visit the Farm.

Certified organic produce
As part of the learning process, students explore models of food-marketing, including direct marketing, Community Supported Agriculture, and Farmers Markets. Buy certified organic produce.