We love sharing our operation! Each season we host several groups of individuals from all walks of life who are interested in learning more about local, small-scale agriculture. We can accommodate groups of any size and age group. Tour topics, activities, and lectures can be tailored to the preference of the group. Questions are asked throughout the tour by the leader to the participants to draw observations from them on what they are experiencing. Participants are encouraged to develop their own questions and form their own hypothesis for an answer before tour leaders provide a response.
Some examples may include:
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- Garden walk– outlining organic growing techniques for nutrient and pest management; highlight tools for small-scale vegetable growing; picking and tasting produce throughout the walk; digging carrots at different growth stages; searching and identifying insects and birds within the farmscape; feeling different soil textures in the garden.
- Pastured pigs and poultry– Especially popular with children, we take feed and treats down to our animals and show the benefits of raising livestock outdoors in fresh air. Participants can make observations of the effects on the land as the animals are rotated through. Kids can touch a chicken (with the help by a staff member and subsequent handwashing) and make observations as to the animals specialized body type (examples include lack of teeth in poultry but have grit to chew food, paddle feet on goose). Upon arrangement, kids can even help collect eggs.
- Seed and plant propagation– tour of our propagation greenhouse and the specialized tools for seeding, germination watering and transplanting. Engages student on the importance of having a nutritious potting mix, quality seed, and a nurturing attention to detail to give plants a healthy start. Kids can practice using tools in small groups.
Additional information
Tours are rain or shine (except in the case of lightning). Please wear clothes and footwear suitable for walking on a farm and a water bottle.
Farm tours and activities can last from 1-4 hrs and potentially include an activity and healthy farm snack from food raised right here. Our parking lot can accommodate school buses. Bathroom facilities are located at the red barn (connected to Rising Silo Brewery and Tabula Rasa).
Private tours start at $125 regardless of number of participants. If you are interested in arranging a tour with us please contact Sally at 540-808-0672 or email farm@gladeroadgrowing.com.
Please read and understand Virginia’s agritourism liability disclaimer:
“Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.”