Haverfarm

Where we came from...

The Haverfarm originated in 2010 with a group of students pushing to practice sustainable agriculture on campus. These students built a garden of raised beds in the Haverford College Apartments and established the first Farm Club. In 2012, following the destruction of a temporary parking lot behind Haverford facilities, the Environmental Studies Capstone led by Professor Helen White worked to create a large Haverfarm plot and community garden. Under the guidance of Helen White and Claudia Kent, of the Haverford Arboretum, the Haverfarm Club developed a 2014 funding proposal for the farm and farm fellow position.

Who we are today...

The Haverfarm club has given way to a large group of regular volunteers organized and supported by the farm manager. Student farmers work closely with the manager to maintain the plots and organize farm programming throughout the year. Volunteers and student workers alike make decisions about the future of the Haverfarm at bi-annual meetings open to the entire student body.

The land stewarded by the Haverfarm consists of an 8,000ft^2 vegetable and herb garden and a 6,500ft^2 orchard, located in the Haverford Community Gardens. While the vegetable garden is primarily filled with annual crops, the orchard is home to apple, mulberry, and native paw paw trees, as well as elderberry and blueberry bushes.

The farm has grown to include a greenhouse, classroom, apiary, and high tunnel. The Haverfarm is a living laboratory where everyone is welcome to explore agroecology and develop their own land-based practices.

Haverfarm’s nearly 1,600 lbs. of annual produce is distributed to The Nest, at sliding scale farm stands, and to local food pantries.

Get involved!

Students are welcome to visit the farm on Wednesdays 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. for open hours! Follow us on social media and check the website frequently for workshops and special events.