The Land

The history of this land must begin with honoring that prior to colonization and the genocide of the Native Peoples, this was Haudenosaunee land. Van Noble Farm is on a gentle East facing slope. Being so close to the territorial edges of the recorded historical Cayuga and Seneca lands, we are unsure which nation called this home, and perhaps, at times, the land was used by the peoples of both tribes.

The human body is 60% water, and the Earths surface is 70%. We believe forming an intentional relationship with water is essential in developing many life skills and awareness's and deepens our connection to the life on Earth, and therefor is an integral part of our lessons.

Our second growth forest is diverse and thriving! As you enter the forest, the lights dim and cool shade stretches over you. Take a breath and look around and you meet sugar maple, white pine, American beech and scotch pine, hop horn beam, poplar, and elder crab apple trees. Depending on the season one may find an array of colorful fungi and mushrooms decorating the forest. The forest is also home to a vernal creek and several vernal pools that are full of new life, as well as nesting grounds for owls and hawks. Many interesting tracks and other signs of life can be discovered at any time of the year. The homeschoolers will find a classroom in the beginning of the forest and a primitive camp site further in.

Van Noble Farm is home to two meadows. Tipis for Breathe can be found in each one. We hope the children will help us create an outdoor kitchen and gathering space; more gardens and companion animal pastures. The lower meadow has hiking trails and lots of woods to explore.

We are fortunate to have newly planted apple trees the children can still reach! Scattered throughout the forests and hedgerows are 30-50 year old apple trees which boast diversity and full season production! There are currently three acres of other garden space, where we intend to foster medicinal and culinary herb gardens, pollinator, beetle and moth gardens as well as food gardens! Currently there are maturing pumpkins awaiting the children and seeds ready to be planted for the fall season. Eventually we hope to supply an organic lunch for the children of Breathe POD Homeschool.