The Learning Center & Shop
Riverside Farm & Learning Center in Searsmont, Maine, serves as a nurturing hub where individuals come together to learn, grow, and celebrate life. ​
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​Our purpose at Riverside Farm is to foster a thriving community through our dedication to stewardship and legacy learning on the land and in the woodshop. Our farm serves as a living classroom where individuals of all ages engage with watershed and woodland ecology, observe seasonal changes, and learn practices like orchard and pasture management and wood lot stewardship.​
Our non-profit centers around youth carpentry classes for ages 8-12, emphasizing a 'Tree to Table' education. These classes not only impart practical skills but also instill a sense of responsibility and respect for our natural resources, immersing students in the process of building from the woodlot to the work bench. By nurturing these skills and values, we envision a future where community grows and thrives through knowledge and stewardship, ensuring the sustainability and vitality of these woods, waters, and fields for generations.
A 36ft x 80ft facility serves as the heart of our non-profit Learning Center, embodying our commitment to education and community enrichment. Currently operational and under continued development, The Shop is designed to offer multifaceted learning opportunities in a spacious and versatile environment.
Our ongoing plans include the addition of an office space and observation deck, complete with a library and computer drafting facilities. From here, visitors can observe class activities in the woodshop, equipped with a wide array of powered and hand tools for students of all levels.
As a central hub for craftsmanship and skill development, The Shop at Riverside Farm aims to impart practical knowledge and hands-on experience to our mid-coast community. Through workshops, youth classes, and collaborative projects, we aim to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for material and process.
Together, we envision The Shop as a place where learning thrives, community bonds strengthen, and innovation takes root toward a future dedicated to lifelong learning and stewardship.