Update

As of July 1, 2025, Wild Willow Farm & Education Center is closed.

The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County has managed Wild Willow Farm & Education Center since September 2019. The land, located in the Tijuana River Valley, is leased from the County of San Diego. On February 12, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County elected to terminate its lease of the property effective June 30, 2025. The farm has been operating at a loss since 2019 and, despite investments into the site, there was no sustainable path for the RCD to continue operating it without jeopardizing our other conservation work. The decision was a difficult one, knowing the impact the farm has had on the community and the thousands of people who have visited or tended the land. We know it is a special place for many people. While the RCD will no longer manage the farm site, we remain committed to supporting farm-based education and access to land for growing. The RCD will continue to manage the Tijuana River Valley Community Garden, which includes 210 garden plots and 10 quarter acre farm plots.

We are so grateful for the support the community has shown Wild Willow Farm over the years. We are sad to leave but hopeful for what comes next on this very special land, as well as how our programs will transition.

What’s next?

Staff are in the process of re-imagining our education programs and how we will offer them going forward. Please stay in touch to keep informed about the future of field trips, workshops, and the Farm School course.

The County of San Diego, as the landowner, will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to find a new entity to manage the site. Interested parties can reach out to Charles Gailband, charles.gailband@sdcounty.ca.gov or Noel Agarma, noel.agarma@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information.

Please stay in touch via our Instagram accounts, @rcdsandiego, for more information about events and activities, as well as next steps. You can also reach out to Ann Baldridge, the Executive Director of the RCD, with any questions at ann.baldridge@rcdsandiego.org.

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Did you know that our RCD manages a farm? Wild Willow Farm is an educational, regenerative farm in San Diego’s South Bay.  It is a nurturing space that encourages biocultural diversity, provides experiences to nurture self-empowerment and inspires people to connect to food, the land, and each other. 

Alongside our agricultural production we provide learning tools for students of all ages! We cater to a wide range of skill levels and offer something for everyone. Whether you want to learn about animals, beekeeping, irrigation, or soil fertility we have got you covered! Dive into what we do at the farm and reach out to get involved. 

Field Trips: We welcome schools, groups, and clubs of all kinds to visit the farm to see first-hand how a small working farm operates. This learning opportunity teaches students about compost, seeds, regenerative agriculture, and the roles that animals play on a farm.

 
Workshops: From beer brewing and plant dyeing to mushroom cultivation and baking with ancient grains, we teach a diverse array of fun and educational workshops. We welcome in educators from all over San Diego to share their crafts with the community. If you are interested in teaching a workshop, please reach out!

Farm School: For those interested in pursuing farming in their own lives, we offer an eight-week course teaching the fundamentals of regenerative agriculture. This class will teach you to understand the ecology of cultivation, food webs, agricultural sustainability and how to generate healthy living soil. Students actively learn and practice farm skills while participating as vital members of the Wild Willow community! This class is taught by our lead educator, Paul Mascka, and will provide you with the framework to develop a well-rounded set of farming skills and the freedom to explore and specialize in your areas of interest.  

Internships: Our 12-week internship program develops interested individuals into budding new farmers! Interns work alongside staff in tending the fields, harvesting and packaging produce, and supporting all other on farm activities. Interns are also able to take farm classes alongside their program to help learn and grow!
 
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): Through our weekly CSA program we provide farm-fresh produce using natural, regenerative growing practices that promote high mineral content. This creates a direct relationship between the farmers and you! 

Volunteers: Often the best way to learn is by doing. We welcome volunteers to the farm once a month to get a taste of the myriad of things a farmer does while preparing and growing seasonal plantings of vegetables, greens, medicinal and culinary herbs and cover crops! 

Community Functions & Events: Individuals, clubs, and corporate groups are all welcome to get their hands dirty at the farm. We are available to host group activities and tours for an array of reasons and are always open to something new. The farm is also available to host weddings, meetings, birthday parties and outside workshops.

There is so much more to Wild Willow and we are excited to announce exciting updates through our blog! If you have any questions or want to be more involved please reach out to us!