Tucson Village Farm (TVF) is an educational urban farm designed for youth with a mission to reconnect young people to a healthy food system, teach them how to grow and prepare fresh food, and empower them to make healthy life choices.
You might be familiar with TVF, perhaps your child has experienced a farm field trip, or you’ve heard about our engaging summer camps, or you’ve participated in one of our beloved community events.
What you might not be aware of is that TVF has something to offer for everyone. While our educational programming caters to ages two to four years old, we have exciting activities for grown-ups too! Picture engaging in creative wellness art series, joining Sourdough Bread Making workshops with Don Guerra, enjoying a public farm tour, or trying your luck at Chicken Poop Bingo!
Continue reading to discover what exciting events are taking place on the farm this month.
Happenings in February
Harvest Your Own Vegetables at the U-Pick Market
Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Each week, we open 20 slots for sign-ups (see our Eventbrite page). The U-Pick experience price will vary based on the vegetables available and is inclusive of a guided U-Pick harvest, food demonstration, and a box of select produce (based on availability) picked by YOU.
We offer two box sizes this week to accommodate varying needs in the community. Depending on your vegetable intake — the small box can feed around one to two people and is perfect for a single, small household’s needs or sharing with a friend or neighbor. The large box can feed two to four people, this box is designed for a larger household or sharing among couples, friends, and families.
Both of these boxes allow you to harvest together and distribute the produce as you choose based on your household needs. You can see what is available in each box, week-to-week, on both our Eventbrite, as well as our social media pages.
While our regular Tuesday Market continues to welcome all community members, those seeking an immersive farm experience, including the opportunity to personally pick vegetables, will need to secure a reservation for the U-Pick event via Eventbrite.
This is a great family event! Learn more.
Little Sprouts – Hands-On Education Program
Begins Friday, February 9
Little Sprouts presents a dynamic, hands-on early education program tailored for children aged two to five. Through engaging Little Sprouts sessions, children and their accompanying grown-ups embark on an enriching journey within the garden, embracing the exploration of new foods and the fascinating intricacies of their surroundings
The program encapsulates a blend of investigative play, discovery, and exploration, all underscored by an essential element: fun! Every activity is aimed at fostering and nurturing the ongoing cognitive and emotional growth that characterizes young children’s development.
Don’t miss out — it could be argued that it’s THE cutest program we’ve got. Classes are held on Friday mornings. Reach out to Victoria at victorialopezs@arizona.edu if you have any questions.
Public Farm Tour (For Grown-Ups, Too)
Tuesday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.
It’s a great time of year to be outside in the sunshine and we’d love for you to join Jess for our monthly community farm tour. You’ll have an opportunity to learn some farm history, gain new community resources, find out about all of our fantastic programming, learn fun facts, and even try a farm-fresh snack! We ask for a suggested donation of $10 for the tour (cash or card).
RSVP by emailing Jess at JCL2@arizona.edu.
Chicken Poop Bingo
Sunday, February 18, 2 – 4 p.m.
Have fun, win prizes, and support a great cause! Here’s the feather in the cap: all the proceeds from this event will help us make our latest dreams come true — building an Animal Education Center, and having our very own TVF sheep and goats! So, while you’re having an egg-citing time, you’re also helping us to acquire our farmyard friends. It’s a win-win that’s worth flocking to!
This event is located at Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Unit H.
Bring cash to play — cluck, cluck, HOORAY!
Sneak Peek of Next Month’s Activities
Barnyard Trot Community Event
Saturday, March 2
Join us for an egg-citing, family-friendly active fundraiser dedicated to building and supporting the new Animal Education Center at TVF! We have curated a one(ish) mile adventure course that will take you all around the campus (covering both Little and Big Farm), stopping by twelve unique egg-tivity stations along the way.
More information and register here.
Creativity and Wellness Workshop
Multiple Dates in March
Through Tucson Village Farm’s pilot art program, artist Lindee Zimmer is offering a brand-new art series focused on explorations in creativity and wellness — the Creativity and Wellness Workshop. Zimmer has been facilitating community murals and painting for over 10 years all around the world.
This workshop will explore breathing, yoga, journaling, and different art mediums to encourage opening your creative self. Every week, through prompts, practices, and movement, we will explore creative wellness and expression. All sessions will begin with breath practice, incorporate movement through dance and yoga, offer healthy snacks, and involve expression through art making.
You may notice that there is a separate, identical event listing for this class for youth at a much lower price. As part of our mission to offer inclusive educational wellness programs to youth, each adult ticket that is purchased will also cover most of the cost for youth to attend the same class at a different time. So, the value of this ticket not only provides an amazing learning experience for your mental wellness but also supports local youth.
Don Guerra’s Sourdough Bread Workshop
Sunday, March 24 (Registration opens Thursday, February 1)
Usually sells out in 30 minutes
Twice a year, TVF hosts world-renowned baker Don Guerra of Barrio Bread at our Culinary Education Center for a sourdough baking workshop. We will have this workshop on Sunday, March 24, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn Don’s tricks of the trade and take home a loaf all ready to bake, as well as your very own sourdough starter to bond and bake with. From beginner to advanced, this class has something for bakers of all ability levels.
Join TVF and Don for this unique learning opportunity. Don has been a friend of the farm for years and is a true Tucson treasure. Space is limited, so sign up! If this event is sold out by the time you see this, sign up for the TVF weekly newsletter so you’re the first to know the next time it happens.
Tucson Village Farm is located at 2201 E. Roger Rd. For more information, call (520) 621-1006 or visit tucsonvillagefarm.org.
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