The 100-year-old Carnation Farms is launching into a new phase of development as a nonprofit.

Founded by the descendants of E.A. Stuart, founder of Carnation Milk, the 818-acre historic farm is being transformed into an outdoor classroom, where kids and families gather for hands-on learning about healthy lifestyles and choices.

Through farm-based educational activities and experiential learning opportunities, Carnation Farms will lead the way in skill-building to promote lifelong health and wellness, and help battle chronic conditions often associated with poor food choices.

“Each visit to the farm will grow a better understanding of your body, the food you eat, and the community you live in,” said Lane Youngblood, Interim CEO. “Our holistic approach to healthy living seeks to empower individuals to break bad food habits, engage in the outdoors and learn the value of making healthy choices – all of which lead to healthier lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Starting in April, Carnation Farms will start its pilot programming. Throughout the year, workshops will be available for all ages, providing learning opportunities for the mind and body through farm-based and outdoor activities. Monthly historic tours of the farm will bring visitors out. Day and resident summer camp from July – August at the Farm, for ages 7-14, will offer hands-on, place-based activities to connect kids with the farm, the food system, and the outdoors. The Farm-Based Education Field Trip program for grades 5 to 12 aims to increase youth access, especially those at-risk, to outdoor spaces by developing engaging outdoor programming. Seasonal community honors the farm’s historic legacy as a place to connect and celebrate together as a community.

Learn more about farm events at carnationfarms.org.

Since 2007, the farm had been home to Camp Korey, an affiliate of the late Paul Newman’s Serious Fun organization, hosting camps for seriously ill children. Camp Korey relocated to Mt. Vernon in September.