The Laurel Valley Educational Farm (LVEF) is a 2 acre organic farm located on the Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) campus on Augusta St. in Eugene, OR. Established in 1999 to augment NYC youth programs, it has grown to become an important resource for serving youth and the community.

Each year, the farm supplies hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to NYC youth crews and NYC’s OutDoor High School Culinary Arts program, and provides excellent applied education and work experience for youth enrolled in NYC programs.

The CSA

LVEF offers a Community-Supported Agriculture program to the community in which members pay a fee in the beginning of the season and receive a weekly bounty of fresh, seasonal, organically grown produce from May-November.  The CSA is an opportunity for community members to support local farmers and participate in the production of their food.  Members visit the farm to pick up their share.

If you would like more information about the CSA email Michaela Michaelah@nwyouthcorps.org

The OutDoor High School

In the winter and spring students in the OutDoor High School, working with staff and AmeriCorps members, prepare the garden, make compost and work on garden construction projects. In the garden, grow room and greenhouse students plant seeds, and transplant seedlings while learning lessons on soils, water, ecology, botany and biology.

YouthGrow Summer Camp

NYC’s YouthGrow day camp is held at the Laurel Valley Educational Farm, a perfect setting for youth ages 7-11 to come and learn about gardening! YouthGrow is for local kids, creating opportunities to make friends, visit local organic farms and gardens, learn gardening skills, cook with fresh produce, completing various arts and crafts projects, and most importantly get dirty outdoors!

Ways you can support the farm

• CSA: Become a member of the CSA and receive fresh, seasonal, organically grown produce from May-November.
• Workshops:  We offer occasional workshops on gardening topics such as composting, winter crops, or garden design.  Contact us if you are interested in leading a workshop on the farm, or if you have particular requests for workshop offerings.
• Plant Sale: Come purchase your summer veggie starts at our annual plant sale in May.
• Volunteer: Everyone’s welcome! Spend some time helping and learning.
• Donations: Gifts of plants, tools, garden supplies, or cash are welcome.

Every day the farm is a reflection of the seasons. Each season features a diverse collection of seasonal produce such as lettuce, salad mixes, chard, kale, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sugar snap peas, winter squash, beets, carrots, garlic, leeks, potatoes, onions, radishes, scallions, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, snap beans, hot & sweet peppers, melons, tomatoes, zucchini, basil, cilantro, dill, fennel, and parsley.

For more information you can call 541-349-5055 or email nyc@nwyouthcorps.org.