Learning In the Country with The Laura & Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program
The University Farm is a beautiful 400-acre property in Hunting Valley, Ohio, that features forests, ravines, waterfalls, meadows, ponds, and a self-contained watershed. Owned by Case Western Reserve University, the farm has a number of buildings designed for educational, research, and recreational purposes.
Farm Continuing Education Program classes take advantage of the spectacular surroundings for inspiration and as a setting for learning about nature, cultivation, and the environment.
The Laura & Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program course offerings generally take place at the farm from May - November (typical courses have included writing non fiction and nature walk). Contact Lorraine Nelson, Program Administrator, 216-368-5145 or email lyn@case.edu for more information and to register for classes.
Other Farm Educational Offerings
From time to time, the Farm Food Program offers one-day workshops on various topics - gardening, mushroom foraging, beekeeping, composting - that are open to CWRU students, staff and faculty, as well as members of the general public. Information is posted when offerings are planned, and can be found on this page, the Farm's social media, and and our CampusGroups page.
Upcoming Workshops
Spring and Summer Sessions for 2024, check back for updates!
2024 Offerings
Foraging (Spring Session)
Saturdays, May 25, June 1 and 8
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: University Farm Greenhouse and Open Grounds
Let's go foraging! Join our Farm Food Program staff for three Saturdays in May on a walking adventure and learn how to safely identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare wild flora and fungi found in the University Farm forests. The workshop involves a large amount of hiking through the wood on uneven ground. Boots or hiking shoes, long pants, water bottles, insect repellant, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Fee: $40 General Public; $20 CWRU Faculty, Staff, and Current Students
Past Offerings
Container Gardening Workshop
Thursday, June 1, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: To be determined
Do you want to garden but don't have a yard? No problem. This 2-hour workshop gives those with limited outdoor growing space the knowledge to successfully grow a garden right on their porches, balconies, or patios. Participants are taught the basic needs for their plants (sun, water, soil) as well as container sizes and appropriate vegetables and herbs to plant in them. Additionally, the class covers the importance of companion planting in small spaces to better maximize your harvest throughout the growing season. We will also discuss disease and pest prevention.
Fee: $25 General Public; $15 CWRU Faculty and Staff; $5 CWRU Current Students
Foraging (Summer Session)
Saturdays, July 8, 15, and 22, 2023
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: University Farm Greenhouse and Open Grounds
In nature, what can be found abounds this summer! Join our Farm Food Program staff for three Saturdays in July on a walking adventure and learn how to safely identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare wild flora and fungi found in the University Farm forests. The workshop involves a large amount of hiking through the wood on uneven ground. Dress for the weather! Boots or hiking shoes, long pants, water bottles, insect repellant, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Fee: $40 General Public; $20 CWRU Faculty, Staff, and Current Students
Planting for Fall Workshop
Saturday, July 29, 2023
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: To be determined
Interested in extending your growing season into the fall and early winter? Well, it’s never too early to start planning! This workshop will help ensure you have a bountiful harvest throughout the fall and early winter months.
Fee: $25 General Public; $15 CWRU Faculty and Staff; $5 CWRU Current Students
For additional questions/information regarding Farm-offered courses, please email farm@case.edu.