On a perfect October day last weekend, Shone Farm had an open house. We visited several years ago and have been waiting to visit again.
Part of the Santa Rosa Junior College, Shone Farm provides a living classroom for students of agriculture, forestry and viticulture. Located near one of our favorite walking sites, Riverfront Park, the 365 acre farm is well situated.
There are pigs, goats, cows, sheep and horses. Students can study animal sciences, and train to be veterinary technicians.
We took a walk in the forest on trails built and maintained by students. Students study the trees, the wildlife and forestry practices in a Natural Resource Management Program.
There are programs in agribusiness, horticulture and sustainable agriculture. Food is grown for distribution to the school’s Culinary Cafe and other restaurants.
Along with olive oil tastings, we tasted wine made from grapes grown on site. The culinary students provided some tasty pizza. (My piece with apples grown across the road.)
Shone Farm is one of the more gorgeous schools I have ever seen. The outdoors was perfect on the day of our visit. The indoors – winemaking, horse training, animal pens are all for hands-on experience.
I hope they make this an annual event. Mark your calendars – or sign up for a class. Some are short-term, like a class in composting.
For more information, click on Shone Farm.
Words by Lynn Millar, photos by Mike Millar copyright 2013
Walking in Sonoma County...mostly 
that;s really cool!