What are the office hours and phone number at the Farm?
Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-3 pm
908.362.6735
Sometimes our voice mail will answer instead of a live person. Our staff is small and we are often away from our desks working in other locations -- for example, the kitchen, the gardens, the Library, or at Bread and Roses, our guest residence. Also we have only two phone lines, and often both are busy. If you do get our voice mail, please leave a message and we will return you call as soon as possible.
Does the Farm grow food and if so, can I buy food there?
The Hillside Garden is an emerging Biodynamic garden comprised of a number of smaller gardens linked together. These gardens demonstrate various ways that herbs, fruit, flowers and vegetables can be grown that are both practical and beautiful. We currently have three demonstration gardens: the "Tea garden", the "Front Porch garden" and the "Patio garden".
Located at 41B Silverlake Road,
The Community-Supported Garden at Genesis Farm (CSG) came into being 25 years ago and now feeds about 300 families annually. Members buy 'shares' and pick up their vegetables at the Garden Distribution building either weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the size of their share. For more information about becoming a member, contact them at
908.362.7486.
What kinds of foods are served during the Farm’s programs?
Our vegetarian meals, served buffet style at the Farmhouse, consist of fresh, organic (whenever possible) fruits and vegetables with a variety of grains, beans, seeds, and nuts. Eggs and small amounts of dairy foods, including cheese and yogurt, are used occasionally. We make every effort to use seasonal and locally grown foods.
During residential programs, the main meal is served at mid-day. Breakfast foods are provided, which guests prepare for themselves. These include bread, oatmeal, fruit, and cereals.
While we do our best to meet individual needs, we cannot accommodate all special dietary needs. We ask that you be very specific about any restrictions so that we can work out a mutually agreeable arrangement prior to your stay. We do not provide snack foods, but there are local stores, including a natural foods store, where you can purchase them.
Where will I stay if I am coming to a residential program?
The atmosphere of Genesis Farm is very informal. You will be staying in a private room either at Bread and Roses, our guest house, or at the main Farmhouse. Both residences have rooms on the first and second floors. Bathrooms are shared, and both tubs and showers are available.
What kind of experience should I expect in the residential Earth Literacy and Transition programs?
Our residential programs are intense and challenging – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We ask that people prepare themselves for this kind of experience. We also expect that participants commit to attending the entire program and to respecting other participants by arriving on time and being present in mind, body, and spirit throughout.
What kinds of activities are part of the 14-day residential Earth Literacy program?
Typical program activities include
-Walking and hiking. You will be walking between buildings, up and down hills, and through the woods. These are gentle walks.
-Gardening. You may volunteer at the CSG or help to tend the flower and herb gardens at Bread and Roses and the Farmhouse.
-Native American rituals at the tipi.
-Art projects.
-Swimming and canoeing at the pond.
-Small group work.
-Reflection and journaling time.
-Lectures and films.
-Browsing in the Library (over 2,800 books, journals, and DVDs).
How large are the classes at the Farm?
Our programs typically range in size from 10-16. We think this is the optimum size for the kind of learning we want to happen here. There are some exceptions, depending on the program. The popular
Mushroom Walk, for example, often has more than 20 attending. And the
Introduction to Transition weekend has had over 30; although it is residential, many who have attended have made arrangements elsewhere for lodging.
Do you hold religious services at the Farm?
Genesis Farm welcomes people of good will from all traditions and beliefs. There are no religious services at the Farm. For those in residential programs, we keep a list of nearby places of worship.
Can I access the Internet while at the Farm?
You may use your own laptop to access our wireless network either from the Library or from the Farmhouse.
