Make Plans to Attend Community Nights at Morningside Urban Farm

Our Morningside Urban Farm offers a variety of free programs, classes, and events for the community throughout the summer. Located in Southeast Roanoke, the farm serves as an educational space where participants can learn about gardening, nutrition and wellness while spending time outdoors. 

Community Nights at Morningside Urban Farm

Community Nights are held each Thursday from 6 - 7:30 p.m. through the end of September. These FREE events have activities for all ages to enjoy. They begin at 6 p.m. with your choice of yoga, gardening/farming, and art activities. At 6:45, we offer art activities or a special workshop--each week has a different topic. 

Below is a list of upcoming Community Nights and workshop topics. Click on the date/topic to register for that week's event. Children under 18 are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and attendees can take home free produce as supplies are available.

Thursday, July 9—The Magic of Microhabits: Living healthy doesn’t have to be so hard! Learn quick and simple strategies to add to your routine that can have big impacts on your health. We’ll share nutrition, activity, and stress management hacks that can help with weight control, chronic disease risk, mood and mental health. Led by health educator Angela Charlton.

Thursday, July 16—Grow Local: Come (re)connect with Cam Terry: Morningside Urban Farm’s first farmer, current owner of Lick Run Farm in Northwest Roanoke, and longtime vendor at LEAP farmer’s markets. Learn about Cam’s journey from transforming a backyard vegetable farming business into to a thriving farm now firmly rooted on 3.5 acres of urban land. Cam will reflect on accessing farmland, farming at “human-scale,” and working with underserved communities. He’ll also share lessons learned and offer some of his favorite gardening tips.

Thursday, July 23—Garden Mosaics: Make an impact with mosaics! Learn how to use natural, found, and upcycled materials to make your own mosaic garden sculptures. Led by Lynn Donihe, Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program artist-in-residence.

Thursday, July 30—DIY Green Cleaning: Join us to learn how to make home and personal care products that are easy on the Earth with Clean Valley Council. Bring several of your washed, reusable, lidded glass containers to fill up. We will have containers on hand too! Make a few to take home or share with others. Get inspired to make your daily life more sustainable. All attendees will receive a FREE reusable bag. 

Thursday, Aug. 6—Fall Gardening 101: Is your garden ready for fall? Dig into how to prepare gardens for the off-season with farmer Aaron Terry. We'll explore cover crops, mulching options, and varieties that can be overwintered in our climate. 

Thursday, Aug. 13—Exercise for Easy Health: Join yoga teacher Emilee Hall and health educator Angela Charlton to explore simple ways to add more activity into your routine. We’ll discuss new research on the health benefits of even small amounts of activity and show you how to do it! Learn a variety of easy activity ideas and enjoy some mindful movement.

Thursday, Aug. 20—Reducing Food Waste and the Prepared Pantry: At the 6:45 p.m. workshop on Reducing Food Waste, you will learn creative tips to cut down on your kitchen waste, save money, and reduce the burden on the environment with Southeast Roanoke residents Sue Brocker and Michaele Eddy. Then, stay for a BONUS workshop on the Prepared Pantry at 7:30 p.m. You'll learn how to stockpile essential items your household needs to get through a period when shopping isn’t possible. Michaele Eddy will walk you through assessing what your household needs, what you already have (both supplies and skills), and setting a realistic budget. Get tips on how to cook from your pantry stock, how to rotate items, keeping a price book, and more.

Thursday, Aug. 27—Nature Imprints: Use the designs and textures of nature to document your adventures and discoveries. Make your own journal or travel log with stamped patterns made from the natural world. Led by Lynn Donihe, Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program artist-in-residence.  

Thursday, Sept. 3—Composting 101: Learn all about composting from Davey Stewards of Star City Compost: the area’s only permitted compost facility recycling food waste and organic materials.  

Thursday, Sept. 10—Preserving the Harvest: Looking for fun and easy ideas to make the most of your summer produce bounty? This workshop is for you! Enjoy a food sampling and learn how to change your favorite recipes to make healthier versions of familiar classics. Led by health educator Angela Charlton.

Thursday, Sept. 17—Elderberry Syrup: Elderberry syrup is full of antioxidants that help with overall health and immune support. Learn how to make this herbal syrup and get a DIY kit to make at home. Led by Alisha Gaskins, herbalist and medical anthropologist.

Thursday, Sept. 24—Appalachian Fiber Arts: Learn about the beautiful, practical quilts and mending techniques of the region, as well as popular “new” trends. Try your hand at some of these traditional and creative methods in this workshop led by Lynn Donihe, Dr. Robert L.A. Keely Healing Arts Program artist-in-residence.

Getting To the Farm

The farm is located at 917 Morgan Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA, 24013. Please park on the farm side of the street and not the residential side.

For More Information

For more information about Morningside Urban Farm, visit the Morningside Urban Farm page.