Cascade Farm is located in Putnam and Dutchess counties. Cascade Farm has undertaken the goal of reaching sustainability though an association of our CSA Program and our farm school. CSA (community supported agriculture) farms provide an opportunity for farm members to collectively support local farming, build community, and provide education. The resulting farm harvest is divided among the CSA member families each week during the growing season while the operating farm provides a forum for education, engaging students of all ages, to understand and take responsibility for the source of their food. We believe that the balance between the CSA (farming opportunities) and the farm school (learning opportunities through farming) based on sustainable principles, provides an opportunity for positive change within the local community. Cascade Farm School is a 501(c) 3 organization supported by donations and fundraising events. In addition, we hold public events (such as pumpkin picking and Christmas shoppe) as well as the sale of specialty products (such as honey, fruit, maple syrup, garlic, and flowers).
Mission Statement
Our mission is to reconnect students of all ages with the importance and value of small farms within our local communities.
A Brief History Previously called “Three Oaks Farm” for three large white oak trees located just west of the original farm house. Cascade Farm was originally a dairy farm owned by the Sprague and Post families. In the fall of 1996, the farm owner joined forces with Cerebral Palsy of Putnam and Dutchess counties to begin a community farm project based on a CSA (community supported agriculture) model. In 2001, in keeping with the desire that the project be sustainable, the decision was made to form the farm school as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation. Since that time the community farm project has grown to provide produce from 50 to 200 families annually and the farm school now hosts approximately 1000 students in various educational programs each year. These educational programs include half-day field trips, extended farm school visits, as well as other educational forums for all ages.