Nevada County, CA (August 27, 2025) – On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Food Love Farm, an educational demonstration farm run by local nonprofit Sierra Harvest, celebrated its 15th anniversary. Founders, past and present staff, supporters and community members gathered for a special potluck barbecue to commemorate the occasion and reflect on a decade and a half of cultivating a love for sustainable food and farming in Nevada County.
The celebration echoed the farm’s early days, with founders sharing heartfelt stories and memories. Speakers included farm founder Amanda Thibodeau and her early mentor, Leo Chapman, Tim Van Wagner, and Rachel Berry to name a few. They were joined by the current farm manager, Adam Nuber. Speakers highlighted the thousands of Nevada County children who have participated in Food Love Farm’s field trips and summer camps, as well as the many community members who have volunteered or enjoyed the seasonal u-picks.
In a tribute to the farm’s founders and key supporters, Sierra Harvest Executive Director Eli Bacon presented bouquets of freshly harvested flowers. “Food Love Farm is such a huge part of Nevada County. So many of the community’s children have attended summer camp or a field trip at the farm, let alone everyone who has participated in a u-pick. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped build, steward, and support this amazing educational farm over the past 15 years,” said Eli.
The Food Love Farm anniversary celebration was filled with delicious food, including grilled vegetables grown just yards from the barbecue, which was expertly managed by Leo Chapman, a nod to his role at the original farm potlucks. Local jazz band Half Cook Quartet provided music as guests reunited and participated in a fresh fruit and vegetable u-pick.
“It’s heartening to see Food Love Farm still thriving 15 years after I dreamt of building a farm devoted to promoting hands-on nutrition education and a love of fresh food among school children and our community,” said Amanda Thibodeau. “Our first students are now in their mid-to-late 20s. I still run into young folks who share their memories with me! The farm has impacted so many people beyond what we can measure, and that’s part of its magic. I am so grateful that it has been able to run continuously throughout this time, and for all the people who have been a part of making it happen.”
About Food Love Farm Programs
Food Love Farm, located in Nevada City, is a thriving hub for agricultural education and community engagement. It was established on the Burton Homestead in 2010 in collaboration with 4EEE and Bear Yuba Land Trust. The 1/2-acre farm serves as an outdoor classroom for children and adults, fostering a deeper connection to local food systems. Key programs include:
- Field Trips: The farm hosts hundreds of local students each year, offering hands-on lessons about where food comes from.
- Summer Camps: Children learn about gardening, cooking, and environmental stewardship in a fun, immersive setting.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community members of all ages are invited to help tend the farm and learn alongside our staff.
- U-Picks: The farm opens its gates for seasonal harvests, allowing the public to pick their own fresh produce on Tuesday evenings from June through October.
For more information about Food Love Farm and Sierra Harvest, visit www.sierraharvest.org