OUR PROGRAMS

Where growth comes naturally.

Designed to recreate the full experience of a working regenerative farm, our programs are intended for serious learners. We provide a new and inspiring alternative to conventional teaching environments for high school and college students as well as adult learners and working farmers.

Our internships offer tuition-free training, plus hourly wages to accepted students. (See below for application requirements.) Program fees for our intensive courses and educational tours are all put back into Foundation programming, helping us continue our educational mission.

Full program description

In this 10-week, paid internship, you will live and work on our host farm Juneberry Ridge while you work through the exploratory program, including three different modules or work through the immersive program with two different modules. The optional module, Holistic Management, is an accredited course from the Savory Institute, a regenerative land management center. For the remaining modules, you will choose a specialty focus and complete a related project.

Program benefits:

  • Holistic Management education
  • Real-world farm expertise
  • On-farm meals and coed housing
  • Potential college credit (check with your school on criteria)
  • Paid internship and resume development

Class size: 6 interns per summer

Program dates: May 19 – July 25, 2025 (if accepted, you will be notified by April 11)

Program cost: $0. Interns will earn $12 per hour (up to $4,800 over 10 weeks)

Program instructor(s): Experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge and Savory Institute-accredited instructor Daniel Firth Griffith

Program requirements: Should be a North Carolina college student with:

  • Ability to work 40 hours per week for the full 10 weeks
  • Submitted online application
  • Completed virtual interview (between March 31 – April 4)
  • Preference given to agriculture-related majors

Selection criteria: Students must submit an inquiry. Candidates will be evaluated based on their interest in regenerative practices, along with their individual strengths, alignment with career goals, willingness to work hard, and prior work experience.

Application deadline: March 15, 2025 for summer

Full program description

The Piedmont Scholars will convene at 9am on March 14th. Student scholars will experience all farming areas at Juneberry Ridge. Students will attend lectures and farm walks on topics including soil health, water management, wildlife, aquaponics, farm to table, regenerative agriculture, and alternative energy. The program will conclude at 3:00pm on March 14th. This program includes lunch during the program.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in the greenhouse and with livestock
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: March 14th, 2024

Program cost: $0

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge.

Program requirements: Participants must be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; nominated by a school employee; have a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Selection criteria: Nominated students must complete an application and interview.

Application deadline: Nominations due by February 9th. Student application deadline: March 1st. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with more information.

Full program description

Farm camp will be 9:00am – 3:00pm and begin in the Meadow Barn each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: April 21 – 23, 2025 from 9AM – 3PM.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing, Casey Thompson, College Interns, and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by April 1, 2025. Complete the registration form below, pay using the link attached on the form, and we will contact you with more information.

Full program description

Farm camp will 8:00am – 12:00pm and begin in the Meadow Barn each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: May 27 – 30, 2025 from 8 – 12.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing, Casey Thompson, College Interns, and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by May 1, 2025. Complete the registration form below, pay using the link attached on the form, and we will contact you with more information.

Full program description

Farm camp will 8:00am – 12:00pm and begin in the Meadow Barn each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: June 2 – 6, 2025 from 8 – 12.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing, Casey Thompson, College Interns, and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge.

Program requirements: Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by May 1, 2025. Complete the registration form below, pay using the link attached on the form, and we will contact you with more information.

Full program description

Join us for a morning of learning about honeybees! In this class we will cover the basics of honeybees, beekeeping for beginners, threats to honeybees, and pollinator gardens. This workshop is ideal for individuals wanting to learn about bees and their importance, where to purchase local bee products, and those interested in or just beginning beekeeping.

Program benefits:

  • An introduction to honeybees & beekeeping
  • Learn from experts in the field
  • Gain knowledge on pollinator gardens

Class size: 30

Program dates: April 1, 2023 from 9 – 11am.

Program cost: $15

Program instructor(s): Karla Aldridge, Stanly County Beekeeper and Shirley Harris, NCDA Apiary Inspector

Program requirements: N/A

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by March 31, 2023. Complete the inquiry form and our education director will contact you to confirm registration.

Full program description

Join us for a morning of learning about Oregano & Thyme! In this class we will cover growing, harvesting, processing, and uses of Oregano & Thyme. This workshop is ideal for individuals wanting to learn about growing herbs and their uses. Participants will leave the class with the confidence to start their own her garden!

Schedule: 
3:00 – 3:15 Welcome

3:15 – 4:00 Oregano

4:00 – 4:45 Thyme

4:45 – 5:00 Q&A

Program benefits:

  • An in-depth focus on Oregano & Thyme 
  • Learn from a certified Master Herbalist
  • Gain knowledge on growing, harvesting, processing, and uses of Oregano & Thyme

Class size: 25

Program dates: 3:00 – 5:00pm, May 18, 2024

Program cost: Free

Program instructor(s): Joan Shay, certified Master Herbalist

Program requirements: N/A

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by May 17, 2024. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with registration information.

Full program description

In this one-day workshop students will learn about the history of permaculture and how it has grown to
be a worldwide movement connecting people back to land – humans, a healing force in the world and a
part of ecosystems.

Participants will dip a toe into whole systems design and learn about the principles of permaculture and
how they are used to design thriving landscapes. Together we will see some of these principles in action as we walk the land at Juneberry Ridge. We’ll see how silvopasture systems can enrich grasslands, livestock, and wildlife, and how aquifers can be re-charged using key-line design.

Participants will also participate in a small “design charette” where they will design a part of their land (be
it front or back yard, woodland, or pasture) using primarily native plants to provide habitat, food,
medicine, beauty, and community – visioning spaces that are alive, relational, and bountiful.

Program benefits:

  • An introduction to permaculture practices.
  • Learn from permaculture designer, Jenny Kimmel.
  • See permaculture in practice in our living classroom
  • Create your own permaculture design.

Class size: 20

Program dates: 9am – 5pm, May 6, 2023

Program cost: $100

Program instructor(s): Jenny Kimmel, Permaculture Designer and Educator with Sow Permaculture

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by May 2, 2023. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with registration information.

Full program description

This 8-day workshop, part of the Savory Institute Global Accredited Professional program, covers the complete fundamentals of holistic (regenerative) management. It will help you understand the complexity of ecosystems in farming, develop a framework for regenerative operations, and see the value in learning directly from nature. Key program topics include:

  • Foundations of Holistic Management
  • Holistic Financial Planning
  • Holistic Land Planning
  • Holistic Planned Grazing
  • Holistic Ecological Monitoring

Program benefits:

  • A holistic farming mindset
  • Application of techniques to regenerate your land
  • Recommendations on growing sustainable profits

Class size: 15

Program dates: Summer 2024 program: May 30–June 2 & June 20–June 23 (both sessions make up the 8-day course)

Program cost: $2,000 per person (meals included; lodging available at standard rates) ($0 tuition-free for accepted college interns)

Program instructor(s):

Session 1: Ashton Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Juneberry Ridge, and Savory Institute Accredited Professional

Session 2: Daniel Firth Griffith, Savory Institute Hub Leader; Lead Educator, Robinia Institute; Accredited Professional

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: Open to all students and adult learners. Recommended for farm owners, land managers, and others seeking education/accreditation in holistic land management.

Application deadline: Register by May 3, 2024

Introductory Educational Tour

Open to all learners

Tour our living classroom to explore the key facets of regenerative farming.

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Full program description

This 1–2-hour tour of the Juneberry Ridge farm and facilities — our living classroom — offers an introduction to regenerative agriculture through aquaponic, rotational livestock grazing, and foraging experiences. For tour policies, tour options, and educational outcomes/goals, click the “Tour Policies” button below.

Program benefits:

  • Introduction to regenerative agriculture practices
  • On-farm educational experience
  • Q&A with career farmers
  • Increased agriculture awareness and literacy

Class size: 25 per tour

Program dates: 1–2 times weekly, year-round (please complete the form below to request a date/time)

Program cost: Free

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing, Casey Thompson and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: See Tour Policies below

Selection criteria: Private groups, or school teachers and administrators must submit an inquiry below.

Application deadline: Must book one month in advance

High School Internship

By application only: for juniors and seniors

Change up your “classroom” for a semester as you focus on the aspect of regenerative farming that interests you most, from growing to managing the grounds.

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Full program description

This 4-month, paid internship is designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors. If accepted, you will choose one of six areas of concentration during your time working on the Juneberry Ridge farm: Livestock, Greenhouse, Facilities Maintenance, Land Management, Hospitality/Events, or Market Gardening/Agritourism.

Program benefits:

  • Hands-on work experience
  • First-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Potential high school credit (check with your school on criteria)
  • Paid internship and resume development

Class size: 6 interns per semester

Program dates:

  • Spring 2025 semester: January 9 – May 21
  • Fall 2025 semester: August – December

Program cost: $0. Interns will earn $10 per hour.

Program instructor(s): Experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: Must be a high school junior or senior with:

  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • At least one teacher recommendation
  • Reliable transportation
  • Submitted online application, (potential) virtual interview

Selection criteria: Students must submit an inquiry. Candidates will be evaluated based on individual strengths, interests, alignment with career goals, and work availability.

Application deadline: November 15, 2024 for spring semester & May 15, 2025 for fall semester

Aquaponic Living Lab Intensive

Open to high school AP, college, and adult learners

Take a deep dive into aquaponics in this hands-on, living lab program set in an aquaponic greenhouse.

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Full program description

During this 2-hour experience in the Juneberry Ridge aquaponic greenhouse, you will take measurements and troubleshoot real problems, for instance: determining the volume of fish tanks and how many fish the aquaponic system can hold, measuring pH and learning how to correct it when it drops too low, and comparing different methods of fish production to decide which is best for the environment.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on what aquaponics is, and how it works
  • Hands-on work experience in a commercial greenhouse
  • Potential high school or college credit (check with your school for criteria)

Class size: 25 per session

Program dates: Year-round, dates vary depending on availability

Program cost: $100 per group

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: School teachers and administrators must inquire. Recommended for AP environmental science high school students or community college science and math students.

Application deadline: Must book one month in advance

Soil Living Lab Intensive

Open to high school AP, college, and adult learners

Dig into one of the most critical aspects of regenerative farming in this intensive study of soil health and management.

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Full program description

This 2-hour, on-farm workshop offers an intensive look at the characteristics and maintenance of soil, including soil health and regenerative soil management. You will see heavy equipment operation, discover soil profiles and texture, and learn how livestock and poultry help improve the quality of soil.

Program benefits:

  • Introduction to regenerative animal agriculture
  • Hands-on experience with soil texture and other attributes
  • Understanding of the equipment involved in soil management
  • Potential high school or college credit (check with your school for criteria)

Class size: 25 per session

Program dates: Year-round, dates vary depending on availability

Program cost: $100 per group

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing, Juneberry Ridge farm experts

Program requirements: N/A

Selection criteria: School teachers and administrators must inquire. Recommended for AP high school students or community college students.

Application deadline: Must book one month in advance

Full program description

Farm camp will 8:00am – 12:00pm and begin in the Saskatoon each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: June 12 – 16, 2023 from 8 – 12.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: N/A

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge.

Program requirements: Participants must be rising 3rd – 5th graders.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by June 1, 2023. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with registration information.

Full program description

Farm camp will 8:00am – 12:00pm and begin in the Saskatoon each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: June 12 – 16, 2023 from 8 – 12.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: N/A

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge.

Program requirements: Participants must be rising 3rd – 5th graders.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by June 1, 2023. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with registration information.

Full program description

Farm camp will 8:00am – 12:00pm and begin in the Saskatoon each day. Students will have an hour of classroom instruction before going outside for hands-on opportunities in our living classroom. Students can expect to learn how to start seeds, care for plants, harvest, and cook with food they’ve grown. They will also learn about soil and water management practices and regenerative agriculture that utilizes livestock in a food production system. Students will get to experience our living classroom through activities outdoors and in the greenhouse throughout the week. A snack will be provided each day. Participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Program benefits:

  • A first-hand education on regenerative agriculture
  • Hands-on work experience in a greenhouse, with livestock and in culinary arts
  • Experience farm to table

Class size: 15

Program dates: June 12 – 16, 2023 from 8 – 12.

Program cost: $150 ($250 value)

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge

Program requirements: N/A

Program instructor(s): Danielle Rushing and experienced farmers at Juneberry Ridge.

Program requirements: Participants must be rising 3rd – 5th graders.

Selection criteria: N/A

Application deadline: Register by June 1, 2023. Complete the inquiry form and Danielle Rushing will contact you with registration information.

Student Inquiry Form