Join us for a morning of learning and hands-on work as we create permanent no-till market garden beds at Sunray Community Farm.

Whether you are interested in growing food in a backyard garden, community garden, homestead, or small farm setting, the principles we'll explore can be adapted to a wide range of scales and growing spaces.

The morning will begin with a short introduction to the in-development farm, our growing philosophy, and an overview of no-till bed preparation. We will then dive into the demonstration bed, and continue to build beds together while discussing soil health, weed management, bed design, tools, and practical considerations for establishing productive growing spaces.

This workshop is designed to be interactive, but participation in physical tasks is entirely optional. Attendees are welcome to take part in the work, observe demonstrations, ask questions, and engage at whatever level feels comfortable and appropriate for their abilities.

Following the workshop, we will gather for a simple seasonal vegetarian lunch featuring ingredients inspired by local harvests.

Date: Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM workshop, followed by lunch
Location: Sunray Community Farm, 411 Wemple Road, Glenmont, NY 12077
Attendance: Limited to 8 participants to allow for discussion and individualized instruction.

Come ready to learn, connect with fellow growers, and gain practical knowledge you can bring home to your own garden or growing project.

What to Bring & Farm Conditions

Please come prepared to spend time outdoors. We recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, a hat, sunscreen or other sun protection, and a pair of work gloves. Basic tools will be provided for participants, though you are welcome to bring a favorite gardening tool to use, share, or show off during the workshop.

Please note that Sunray Community Farm is currently in the early stages of development and remains largely unimproved farmland. At this time, there are no restroom facilities on the farm itself. However, a portable restroom is available for participants at the barn located across the street from the farm. We appreciate your flexibility as we continue building the farm's infrastructure and community spaces.

By registering you agree to our Workshop Registration, Assumption of Risk, and Liability Waiver (click to read).

We believe educational opportunities should be accessible. If cost presents a barrier to participation, please reach out. We may be able to offer a reduced-cost registration when space allows.

Join us for a hands-on workshop as we begin building the Children's Garden at Sunray Community Farm. Participants will help construct raised garden beds that will become part of an outdoor learning space for future educational programs while learning practical gardening and building skills that can be applied at home.

During the workshop, we'll explore the basics of garden layout and design, discuss the advantages and limitations of raised beds, and learn how to plan productive growing spaces. Participants will gain experience using common tools and materials, including tape measures, speed squares, drills, impact drivers, and circular saws under supervision.

Together we will measure, mark, cut, assemble, and install several raised garden beds while discussing topics such as site selection, bed dimensions, soil considerations, and long-term garden management. No prior experience is required, and beginners are welcome.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have contributed to the creation of a community educational garden while gaining confidence in basic carpentry, tool use, and home garden construction.

Topics Covered

• Planning and laying out a garden

• Raised bed design and construction

• Basic measuring and marking techniques

• Safe use of common power tools

• Bed placement and site considerations

• Soil, compost, and filling raised beds

• Garden planning for vegetables, flowers, and pollinator plants

This workshop is suitable for adults and older youth interested in gardening, homesteading, community projects, or learning practical building skills.

Community Meal & Gathering

Following the workshop, participants are welcome to stay and enjoy a casual community meal on the farm. Bringing your own lunch or snacks is encouraged, but we also plan to provide a selection of simple cold salads and refreshments.

Rich will be preparing grilled flatbread pizzas, including vegetarian and vegan options, for everyone to enjoy. We hope this shared meal provides an opportunity to connect, relax, and continue conversations about gardening, building, food, and community.

A detailed email will be sent approximately one week before the workshop with parking information, arrival instructions, and an updated menu based on seasonal availability and participant interest.

Site Information & What to Bring

Sunray Community Farm is currently in the early stages of development. At this time there is no electricity, running water, or restroom facility on-site. A portable restroom is available for workshop participants at the barn located across the street.

We will provide light snacks and a filtered water refill station, but participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and anything else they may need to stay comfortable throughout the workshop.

Please come prepared for outdoor work and variable weather conditions. We recommend bringing:

• A refillable water bottle

• Hat and sun protection

• Sunscreen

• Work gloves (optional)

• Closed-toe shoes or boots

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• A camping or other folding chair if you you wwant

Shade on the farm is currently limited, so participants should plan accordingly. Building the farm is part of the adventure, and we appreciate your flexibility as we continue developing the site.

Registration Options

Community Registration — $50
An affordable option for those who would like to participate and support the project.

Children's Garden Supporter — $75
Provides additional support for the development of the Children's Garden, including future scholarships, and educational programming at Sunray Community Farm.

By registering you agree to our Workshop Registration, Assumption of Risk, and Liability Waiver (click to read).

Note: All registration levels include the same workshop experience. Participants are encouraged to choose the option that best fits their circumstances and level of support for the project.

Kids Workshop: Plant a Strawberry, Grow a Garden

A Family Farm Workshop at Sunray Community Farm

Join us for a fun morning on the farm as we help establish the Sunray Community Strawberry Patch!

Children ages 6–12, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will learn about how strawberries grow, the role of pollinators and healthy soil, and how perennial plants provide food year after year.

Each child will have the opportunity to:

🍓 Learn about strawberry plants and how they grow

🎨 Paint and personalize a cedar plant marker to leave their mark on the patch

🌱 Plant strawberry plants in the Sunray Community Strawberry Patch

🍋 Enjoy fresh strawberry lemonade

📍 Visit the farm throughout the seasons to watch their plant grow and produce fruit

The strawberry patch will become a living community project! Each child's painted marker will remain in the patch as a reminder of their contribution to the farm.

Ages: 6–12 (with parent or guardian)

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Cost: $20 per parent/child pair (two parents okay!)

Space is limited to 12 children.

Please bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven farm terrain.

We look forward to planting, learning, and growing together!

By registering you agree to our Workshop Registration, Assumption of Risk, and Liability Waiver (click to read).