Irvine Farm Fun: Food, Fun & Learning!

Unleash Your Inner Urban Farmer at the Irvine Great Park Farm + Food Lab!

Calling all plant enthusiasts, sustainability seekers, and curious pups (on leash, of course)! The Irvine Great Park Farm + Food Lab is your one-stop shop for exploring the wonders of urban agriculture and its delicious rewards.

Imagine yourself strolling through a vibrant oasis filled with themed gardens overflowing with interesting plants. These aren’t just your average flower beds! You’ll find dedicated sections for delicious food sources, fragrant teas, medicinal herbs, sweet treats, construction materials (yes, you read that right!), and plenty more unique themes waiting to be discovered.

But the Irvine Great Park Farm + Food Lab is much more than just a pretty face. It’s a working, organic horticulture area with a vital mission: to educate the community about the magic of urban gardening. Here, you’ll learn all about composting, the importance of healthy soil, crop rotation techniques, permaculture practices, and natural pest management – all valuable knowledge for growing your own food and reducing your local food insecurity. The best part? Fresh produce harvested here is donated to local food pantries, making a direct impact on the community.

Feeling inspired to get your hands dirty? Volunteer opportunities are available, allowing you to contribute to this amazing project.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

The Farm + Food Lab boasts a plethora of educational spaces that will ignite your inner green thumb. Take a peek at what awaits:

• Outdoor solar-powered teaching kitchen: Learn the art of cooking with fresh, local ingredients under the warm California sun.
• Aquaponics demonstration area: Witness the fascinating integration of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in action.
• Free-range chickens: Observe these clucking cuties roaming their coop and learn about responsible animal husbandry.
• Seed exchange library: Swap seeds with fellow plant enthusiasts and expand your gardening repertoire.
• Food forest: Explore a diverse ecosystem where plants co-exist and thrive, mimicking a natural environment.
• Vermicomposting systems: Learn how to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich “black gold” for your plants with the help of hardworking worms. 🪱
• Monarch Waystation: Provide a vital resting spot for these majestic butterflies on their migration journey.
• Pollinator garden: Dive into the vibrant world of pollinators and discover the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
• Legacy Courtyard: Reflect on the power of resilience in the 9/11 ‘Survivor Tree’ sister saplings, admire the Rosie the Riveter rose exhibit and Victory Garden, and explore the bounty of an urban orchard.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Hours may vary on holidays and due to weather. Call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247 for the latest information.)

Admission and Parking: Free!

Dig Deeper with Classes and Tours:

Throughout the year, the Farm + Food Lab offers a variety of exciting educational programs. From hands-on workshops to informative tours and field trips, there’s something for everyone. To sign up for classes, visit https://www.yourirvine.org/.

Volunteering Your Time:

Want to give back to the community and learn some valuable skills? Check out their volunteer opportunities and make a difference.

Planning an Event?

The Farm + Food Lab, in partnership with Solutions for Urban Agriculture, offers rentals for gatherings of up to 75 people. For information about facility reservation requests, email [email address removed].

Hungry for More?

Explore upcoming free workshops offered by Solutions for Urban Ag https://www.facebook.com/solutionsforurbanag/. For additional fee-based workshops, visit the Solutions for Urban Ag website.

Looking for a Home that’s as Green as Your Thumb?

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And because every sale helps rescue dogs, you can feel good knowing you’re making a difference while finding your dream home!

**Let me sniff out your real estate needs and show you the hidden gems of Orange County, both for you and your best bud! Contact me today at Renee Porsia, The Rescue Dog Realtor®, DRE: 02089383. Realty One Group West, Laguna Niguel.

• Phone: 215.669.0589
• Email: reneeporsia@mac.com
• Websites: rescuedogrealtor.com

So leash up your pup, pack a picnic basket with fresh finds from the farmers market (see our previous article!), and head to the Irvine Great Park Farm + Food Lab for an educational and pawsome adventure!