EcoFarm & Food Foresting Certificate

July/August 2027

Antioch College is proud to announce its EcoFarm & Food Foresting Certificate. This immersive program reflects the College’s commitment to environmental sustainability, experiential education, and social responsibility, preparing participants to contribute meaningfully to resilient, regenerative food systems. The certificate is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

You are invited to an immersive program in regenerative agriculture, soil health, specialty crops, native plants, and pollinators at the Antioch College Farm. Guided by Dr. Kevin Matteson and Farm Manager Bruce Linebaugh and a network of experienced practitioners, you will learn through hands-on experience. Whether you are tending a backyard garden or planning a small farm, this program offers practical skills and connection to a community of growers.

“Small farms can feed the world and it starts with good soil health and growing nutrient dense food, one small farm at a time in your local community.” – Bruce Linebaugh, Antioch Farm Manager

Program Topics

Likely topics include:

Soil health, nutrient cycling, and building a supportive microbial community

Site analysis and planning for cover crop rotation

Completing the nutrient cycle for a self-sustaining farm or garden

Guild planting for pollinator support

Cultivating dye plants and flowers as specialty crops

Farmer’s market best practices

Community food initiatives

Garden design for climate resilience

Native plant propagation and community stewardship

Food foresting and fruit tree care

Registration*

Total tuition will be approximately $1,000. Optional on-campus room and board may be available for an additional fee (details to be confirmed).

*Prices may be subject to change.

For scholarship information, please email A Tassy at atassy@antiochcollege.edu

Complete the program and a 300-hour co-op apprenticeship (Antioch assists in placements) to earn the Antioch College EcoFarm & Food Foresting Certificate. The certificate is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Interested? Contact the Antioch College Farm Director, Dr. Kevin Matteson, at kmatteson@antiochcollege.edu.

EcoFarm & Food Foresting in Action

A look back at last year’s program, guided by Farm Manager Bruce Linebaugh.

Program participants gathered around an instructor demonstrating a soil probe in a field — Learning soil-testing techniques in the field

Group examining and mixing compost soil in a wheelbarrow — Hands-on compost and soil health work

Participant turning soil with a broadfork near a high tunnel — Prepping beds with a broadfork by the hoop house

Group examining seedling trays in a greenhouse — Checking on seedlings in the greenhouse

Presenter reviewing farm business planning notes on a whiteboard — Farm business planning session

Group gathered at a chicken coop during an egg-collecting demonstration — Chicken coop and egg-collecting demonstration

Participant picking marigold flowers in the cut flower garden — Harvesting marigolds in the cut flower garden

Group walking a path through the flower garden lined with marigolds and zinnias — Walking the flower garden paths

Group gathered outside for a natural-dye demonstration with pots and dyed cloth — Natural-dye demonstration

THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM SUPPORTERS