Deer Park Happy Farm
Help Support Deer Park Happy Farm
Welcome to the Happy Farm at Deer Park Monastery. Inspired by the Happy Farms at Plum Village in France, we are establishing a human-scale, community-centered organic farm that integrates mindful living with regenerative farming.
Vision
Our vision is to cultivate a space where mindfulness intersects with sustainable agriculture, nourishing the well-being of individuals, society, and the planet.
We hope not only to feed the monastery but also to involve our neighbors and their families in helping with the farm, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
May this farm become a sacred place of practice, where each seed planted is a prayer, each harvest a song of gratitude.
Support the Project
- Please contribute to our founding fundraising campaign
- Let your friends, family, and community know about our initiative
- Get your hands in the soil—offer service (see below)
Blessing Ceremony
Please read the powerful message invoking blessings at the ceremony
Happy Farm Message of Blessing and Gratitude
On February 3, 2025, monastics and lay community members held a ceremony to invoke blessings on the Happy Farm. It was a beautiful, joyful ceremony. We walked in procession around the land, sprinkling water, the source of compassion, and chanting the song, “I entrust myself to the Earth.”
Get Involved
Long-term Volunteers: We have just opened a six-month volunteer program. See our Volunteer Page for more info on volunteering.
Community Volunteers: Join us for our first “Nourish the Soil” event which will kick off the farm on Saturday, March 8th. Please be part of the very first event on the farm! This will be announced in the Coyote Tracks newsletter. We are looking for those with tree-falling and lumber management skills to help steward the land.
Short-term Volunteers: We hope to begin accepting short-term volunteers in the summer. See our Volunteer Page for more info.
Community Projects: Currently we need bird boxes to help sustain a thriving farm ecosystem. See our community projects page to find out more about community projects, which will evolve and grow over time.
Timeline and Aspirations
- Spring 2025 Groundbreaking and infrastructure development
- Summer 2025 First harvests begin
- End of 2025 Working toward providing up to 50% of the monastery’s produce needs
Common Questions
What do you need most?
Right now we are most in need of donations to support the up-front costs of starting the farm. See our Donation Page.
We also need helping hands on Saturdays coming up to prepare the soil. Last we need a few dedicated volunteers to join our one-year residency program.
When will the farming start?
Site preparation begins in March 2025, with first harvests planned for summer and fall of 2025.
Where is the farm located?
The Happy Farm will be situated near the eucalyptus grove at the main entrance to Deer Park Monastery.
How can I stay updated?
Subscribe to our newsletter Coyote Tracks for regular updates on the farm’s progress.
Can I visit the farm?
Yes! Join us for our Sunday Days of Mindfulness or Saturday community service days.
How can I volunteer?
See our volunteer page for more info.