The founders of SolFed Farms wanted to provide a space for people to learn, to connect with nature and to discover their power. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, they empower individuals to embrace sustainable living, rebuild ecosystems, and foster harmony between humanity and nature. They are committed to co-creating a learning environment for youth and adults to grow and process their own food, medicine and shelter.
SolFed serves the greater Kalamazoo-area children attending both homeschool and public school, and our Natural Building classes reach adults seeking to deepen their connection in sustainable, natural and breathable homes with great energy performance. Participants include builders, homesteaders and DIYers alike.
Their newest initiative is focused on supporting immigrant communities seeking connection, belonging, cultural exchange and access to growing food. Through community garden spaces, they aim to create pathways for people to feel rooted in Michigan, fostering food sovereignty, biodiversity and a deeper sense of home.
One recent success at SolFed Farms came through a weekly hands-on natural building course where 10 students worked together to construct a straw bale, roundwood timber-frame structure using rubble trench foundations, natural plasters, and a living roof system.
By the end, students were able to clearly explain core natural building principles, safely use traditional hand tools, complete timber joinery, and thoughtfully evaluate design decisions and ecological material usage.
Over the past three years, the Farm School has grown into a vibrant community of 25 children and their families, creating a space where meaningful, hands-on learning takes root.
You can read the original article at nowkalamazoo.org