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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Our non-profit educational farm, Wild Willow, provides opportunities for students of all ages to learn about farming in a way that respects people, wildlife, and the planet. School aged students are invited to participate in our field trip program while older students are are able to learn farming skills through our workshops and courses. 

Located in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, Wild Willow offers a beautiful place to learn, unwind, and connect to nature in a deep and meaningful way.

We cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, offering something for everyone:

Field Trips & Group Activities: We welcome schools, groups, and clubs of all kinds to visit Wild Willow and see first-hand how a small working farm operates. Taste the produce, pet some goats, and enjoy the beautiful setting! We also offer Girl Scout Badge Experiences and a fun, educational kid’s party venue. Click here to schedule a visit. 

Classes & Workshops: The farm delivers a diverse array of fun and educational workshops – from cheese making and beekeeping, to canning and soap making, and many other gardening and homesteading topics. There is truly something for everyone! View the calendar and sign up here. 

Farm School: For those seeking a more in-depth introduction to tending the land, our eight-week Farm School course teaches the fundamentals of regenerative farming. This course is applicable to agriculture in all settings – whether you are a budding farmer, a home gardener, or simply curious to learn more about growing food. Learn more and sign up here. 

Volunteering: Volunteers are welcome at Wild Willow Farm, where we host open community volunteering every second Saturday from 9:30am – 12:00pm. No experience needed, families welcome. Click here to volunteer.