2023 Goals
Host businesses, organizations and groups to live and learn at River Bend Farm. Our campus provides impactful and inspirational overnight experiences for conferences, retreats, professional developments, and workshops at one of the most sustainable and beautiful farms in the state of Maine.
Expand our AgroEcology for Resilient Communities (ARC) farming and program operations. Through increased farm acreage and a growing farm staff, we can continue to expand our AgroEcology operations, using our locally grown produce on-site for program participants, visitors, and staff while also continuing to donate surplus to local food pantries.
Continue growing our Summer Overnight Camp. After launching our River Bend Farm Overnight Camp with the Governor’s Academy for Coastal Ecology during the summer of 2022, we are looking forward to continuing to expand upon the excitement of providing a unique and engaging summer camp experience to children and families from all over New England and across the country.
Fundraising/Event Opportunities
This September, The Ecology School will host its first River Bend Farm Harvest Celebration fundraiser, centered around the sale of Plein Air art created by local artists at River Bend Farm. We are seeking business sponsors to support this inaugural event at levels ranging from $250 to $5,000 and above. River Bend Farm’s campus is available for organizations to host conferences, retreats, professional development, and workshops at one of the most sustainable and beautiful farms in the state of Maine. The Ecology School offers farm fresh meals, canoeing and kayaking on the Saco River, and immersive programs in conservation, ecology, regeneration, and sustainability.
Giving Opportunities
Year-round giving opportunities include monetary donations to our Annual Fund and Business Partner Programs from individuals, groups, foundations, and business/corporate donors. We currently conduct three to four donation appeal campaigns during the spring, summer, fall, and end of the calendar year. We invite Business Partners to support our work at various levels ranging from $500 to $15,000 and above. Every gift has an impact on the work we do at The Ecology School and this includes volunteer and pro bono opportunities and the donation of necessary equipment and materials.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Ecology School hosts business/corporate and community organization volunteer days for groups seeking a way for their employees or members to give back outside of the office. Individual and business group volunteers help with office projects, trail maintenance, grounds keeping, painting, farm and gardens upkeep (including weeding, mulching, and planting), and campus repairs. We also hold work weekends where members of the community are invited to stay with us at River Bend Farm for a weekend to help with various tasks around campus in exchange for room and board. Classroom teachers and parent chaperones volunteer thousands of hours each year in helping to supervise students during school programs at River Bend Farm.
