“Healthy families create the appropriate environment for sustainable physical, emotional and social development. It is within the family structure that the culture of caring is instituted and valuable norms and values are taught.”
Connecting with nature, supporting local food systems, and engaging in conservation are wonderful ways for families to build strong values and live a healthy, sustainable life in the Chattanooga region. Here are three local organizations dedicated to these principles:
Local Resources for Food, Farming, and Nature
1. Crabtree Farms: Connecting to Our Local Food Shed
Crabtree Farm is a non-profit organization connecting Chattanoogans to our local food shed.
Programs and Opportunities:
- Urban Farm and CSA Program: They operate an urban farm and run a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
- Education and Training: They offer an outreach training series, educational opportunities including internships & volunteering, and field trips and farm tours for individuals, schools & organizations.
- "U-Pick": From late June through July, they offer “U-Pick” blackberries & blueberries. Anyone is welcome to visit the farm and pick their own fruits!
2. Signal Mountain Farm: Cultivating Certified Organic Produce
In 1998, Thomas O’Neal founded Signal Mountain Farm with a quarter-acre garden and home deliveries to family and friends. His goal was to cultivate the highest quality Certified Organic produce in the region.
What They Offer:
- Signal Mountain Farm now grows over 60 varieties of fruits and vegetables—from specialty lettuces, sweet peppers, and blueberries to their prized heirloom tomatoes.
3. The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center at Reflection Riding: Teaching Conservation
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center at Reflection Riding has been living and teaching the principles of conservation, even before “being green” in the Tennessee Valley was the popular thing to do.
Mission and History:
- Over thirty years ago, a group of far-sighted individuals had a dream to bring nature into the lives of every Chattanooga citizen—from school children, to families, to senior citizens.
- This committed group, under the direction of the Junior League of Chattanooga and with the help of generous donors, built a nature center using the most innovative, sustainable design available at that time.
- Their goal was to inspire people, not only with wonders of the natural world, but also with the knowledge necessary to preserve nature for future generations.
