Our Mission

Learn about what we hope to achieve through DGES!

Mission Statement

DGES provides agriculture and nature educational programs to diverse communities, both locally and globally.

These programs develop the skills to produce food and to live sustainably while building an understanding of our interconnection with nature.

The following is from DG Educational Services Bylaws:

SECTION 1. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES

The primary objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be:

To make available the unique resources and venue of Devils Gulch Ranch in Nicasio, California, to the general public for educational opportunities.

DGES shall provide leadership, coordination, resources, fiscal responsibility, research and educational opportunities in the areas of sustainable agriculture, primitive and traditional skills and crafts, sustainable alternative power sources, sustainable ecological/ agricultural integration, nature studies, and other related activities for the public benefit.

Objectives

DGES shall pursue the following objectives in support of its mission:

Conduct workshops, classes, field research, camps, tours, forays, internships, apprenticeships, consultations, and special projects using the venue and/or resources of Devils Gulch Ranch to support opportunities in the areas of sustainable agriculture, primitive and traditional skills and crafts, sustainable alternative power sources, sustainable ecological/ agricultural integration, nature studies, and other related activities for public benefit.
To promote agricultural entrepreneurial opportunities and adaptation of modern agricultural technologies to small and micro agricultural enterprises.
Make available resources including farmland, buildings, equipment, irrigation, livestock, feed, and support staff for workshops, classes, field research, camps, tours, forays, internships, apprenticeships, consultations, and special projects.
Provide funds in the form of grants and scholarships for individuals and groups to attend, participate in, or offer workshops, classes, field research, camps, tours, forays, internships, apprenticeships, consultations, and special projects.
Provide salaries for instructors, consultants and administrative staff.

Our youth programs programs pursue the following goals:

To develop habits and skills to connect the student to nature and agriculture.
To provide opportunities for students to learn and use academics in the context of real tasks connected to what the students are passionate about in the areas of agriculture and nature.
To capture, retain, and focus student interest in sustainable agriculture and nature.
To provide opportunities for hands-on experience in skills and practices required for successful employment in sustainable agriculture or nature related occupations.
To provide opportunities to gain documented experience in agriculture which can provide references for future employment.
To develop a relationship with the skills of our ancestors.
To provide a rite of passage when accomplishments are met in their education, skills, and personal journey.
To provide opportunities for students to identify, develop, and demonstrate personal characteristics required for happy successful employment in sustainable agriculture or nature related fields. Some examples are initiative, responsibility, dependability, and self-reliance.
To provide opportunities for students to observe and participate in the work environment in the field of sustainable agriculture, gaining insights which will inform them as they and select a place in the “world of work.”
To provide an opportunity for students to discover and deal with the financial realities of sustainable agricultural production and/or employment and develop goals in these area that are sustainable.
To provide students the opportunity to teach what they have learned.
To provide a venue and resources to explore and develop a body of knowledge relating to sustainable sustainable agriculture, building, and power.
To develop skills and values that will help build a strong and healthy community.

Sharing these ideas internationally is another goal of our work with young people. Through exchanges with students and farmers from other countries, we open avenues of international communication; give access to cultural insights, and provide students enrolled with us opportunities to teach what they have learned about sustainable agricultural practices.

DG Educational Services

DGES is the Ranch's education program which offers a Summer Day Camp at Devil's Gulch Ranch, focusing on connecting children with nature and farming. Kids and their families get a chance to experience food production from the farm, through their local farmer's market and often into their own kitchens.

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