Urban Farming 101: Q&A with Kathleen Blakistone from Moonwater Farm

1. Why did you start Moonwater Farm?
We originally bought the property in Compton to start an Aquaponic greenhouse growing operation. We changed directions slightly when we began to meet the urban youth of South Los Angeles who appreciated the farm experience. Today we offer school visits and workshops for all ages on sustainable food growing, healthy cooking, and partner with community members who make art, music or use the place for fundraising events.

2. What is an urban micro farm?
Our micro farm is in a neighborhood zones Residential Ag which allows residents to raise livestock, board horses and grow food commercially. We have Angora and Nigerian Dwarf goats, horses and chickens as well as row crops, a small Aquaponic system and a permaculture food forest growing on our lot.

3. What types of programs do you offer?
We offer school visits with hands on workshops in seeds, food growing, soil science and composting. We also host quarterly open houses with a farm your and pot luck lunch. Various workshops and events for adults are offered throughout the year and have included Iyengar yoga, mindful cooking, and food preservation. We also host music evenings and fundraisers by request. The property is available for events.
Summer camp is offered for 6 weeks during the summer and offers youth a host if activities throughout the week.

4. How do kids benefit from your summer camp?
Youth benefit from summer camp through hands in learning about urban agriculture - we ask an answer questions about hat is healthy food, what makes us healthy as individuals and what makes a healthy earth? We pay close attention to soil science, organic food growing and yummy food preparation

5. Are there special workshops that adults can take? How can people contact you?
We offer adult workshops and continue to grow our community with whom we can learn with. We have a mailing list people can join through our website contact form.

For more information visit Moonwater Farm's website or check out their Facebook page.