Violet Stone

I grew up on a 600-acre wildlife preserve tucked away in a rural farming village in Northeast Pennsylvania. I discovered a lot of inspiration and solace during the quiet hours I spent in nature, but the farmers surrounding us taught me about community. Our weekly visits to the Delp family's dairy barn to refill our glass milk jugs impressed upon me the sense of connection that comes from sharing food and land in a community.

My work is currently focused on creating retreats and programs for agricultural educators, farmers, earth-workers and change-makers to explore themes of connection, wellness, purpose, integrity and courage.  I see this work as contributing to a more inclusive ‘culture’ of agriculture where all voices are warmly welcomed, honored and celebrated, including the voices of our ‘inner teachers’, sometimes referred to as our souls.  In this highly technological age abundant with ideas, assertions and resources, we have much to learn from the act of offering one another genuine listening, open-hearted attention and wonder.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College, a Certificate in Ecological Horticulture from the UC Santa Cruz Farm and Garden Program and am a Practitioner prepared by the Center for Courage & Renewal. I've been leading NESARE professional development programs in NY since 2009.