EarthDance is a gem. Their mission is not just rolled up in a wordy statement. It's a daily, visible, very real action that promotes education, community involvement, accessibility, and diversity. This was my first season volunteering. My reason for signing up was simply to help the farm in whatever way is needed, but I personally benefit from my time there each week. It's a physically beautiful place to spend time, all are welcome, and the staff are all wonderful human beings. They are gracious, kind, knowledgeable, dedicated, and fun. I have learned so much at the farm, I have enjoyed meeting other volunteers, and I feel fortunate to be a part of what EarthDance is doing.
EarthDance does a great job of supporting local communities by offering classes on organic gardening each Spring at a reduced rate for people like me who live in nearby communities. I took a class and it got me started growing tomatoes, basil, etc. in my back yard. And when I lead bicycle rides for area seniors they are always haopy to take the time to give us a tour of the farm when we stop by.
Hello, my name is Dr. Beth Nelson and I am a coordinator for the Ferguson/Florissant School District. I have been working with Earthdance for the last two years and the experience has been fantastic. Tiffany, Joia, and all of the staff at Earthdance and dedicated to their craft and being a contributing part of our community. They mentor two groups of students from our school and it has been a valuable partnership. I appreciate them and everything they do for us!
EarthDance is not only an incredible farm (and event venue!), but the work they do in the community is truly important and valuable. Their Junior Farm Crew and other youth programming offer young people an opportunity to develop valuable skills while building an appreciation for and gaining experience in agriculture/food production, which they might not otherwise have access to without EarthDance.
I love and adore EarthDance. It stands at the intersection of so many of my passions. Growing healthy food in healthy soil. Promoting racial harmony. Training others to become regenerative farmers. Once upon a time I partnered with EarthDance to bring Dr. Elaine Ingram to St. Louis. It was profoundly rewarding to work with one of the few organizations that genuinely understood the value of establishing healthy soil microbiology. Great group of folks!
In an age where technology, social media, and over-consumerism hold firm, EarthDance organic farm outperforms all these familiar ways with their dirt-loving grit, nature abiding vibes, and creative food preparation. The staff is community centered, sharing their food surplus, and they know how to throw a party for a variety of fund raising events. Ferguson community is stronger because of EarthDance.
visited the "pay what you can" stand and had the chance to walk around the farm a little. the commitment to community and peacefulness of the place was palpable--this group of people is clearly doing meaningful, heart-driven work.
had the privilege of attending the grand opening of the 'pay what you can' farm stand and was blown away by the passion of the staff and the community involvement!
I'm a former staff member turned board member. I'm on the board because after having spent years working with EarthDance, I deeply believe their mission is having a tremendous impact on the community . School children come on field trips and are totally opened up by their ability to meet the chickens or pick a sugar snap pea. Each year apprentices leave their EarthDance experience with the inspiration and knowledge to become food leaders in the community. And I've seen that happen dozens of times over the years. EarthDance is a breeding ground for positive change within the food movement.
Involvement in EarthDance has been so life-enriching for our family. Volunteering at the farm feels deeply connective everytime, as we have become "regulars" in this community and always find old and new friends to visit with while we pull carrots! Each visit to the farm reminds us of EarthDance's vibrant, active, living impact in the St. Louis community and the interconnectedness of their work - from soil health, to outreach diversity, to a reminder that there is no such thing as cheap food - it's all connected and it flows out of their mission!
We are annual supporters of EarthDance because they are carrying out our family's Big Life Values - regenerative earth and people care - and we know a gift to them will always be put to good use in the community. We love you, EarthDance!