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We are happy to report that the plants are planted!

Our first crops, flowers, and medicinal plants at our new home.

Admin Updates

We are switching to a new registration system this month that should make registration an easier process for you and the Farm. Because of the number of 'no shows' or people that register for a workshop and then do not show up or call, we are reinstating a refundable fee (refundable upon attendance, or that you've informed us that you are unable to make it). We will send out an update when the system is online, including our July and beyond workshops and events.

Making Flower Essences for Emotional Support with Rebecca Vann

Flower essences are specialized botanical preparations, made from the flowers of various plants, that offer significant healing on the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

The vitality of the flowers in bloom are a subtle, yet powerful preparation to help support your nervous system, which impacts every other system of your body. Additionally, flower essences are extremely safe to take as they do not interact with any other medicines. In this class we will craft flower essences from the flowers in bloom on the farm.

Each participant will learn how to use flower essences and leave with several flower essences to begin their own collection at home.

When: Friday, June 6, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Oysters in the Straw

Growing mushrooms can be intimidating, but there is no better companion to learn with than the Oyster Mushroom. Hardy, fast-growing, delicious and prolific, oyster mushrooms are aggressive decomposers of cellulose and excellent recyclers of paper, fabric and wastewood. Get ready for a big day of spawn preparation, different methods of pasteurization, inoculation practices, monitoring of colonization and methods to induce fruiting.

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 1pm

The Art of the Dandelion

In this fun we'll be picking dandelions to use in making paint, to paint dandelions!

When: Friday, June 13, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 1230pm

Day Hike Pisgah with Harrison

Meet at the farm at 9am meet at the John Rock Loop Trailhead. Make the most of all the wonderful natural resources we have at our fingertips. Please join us on this day hike into Pisgah National Forest. Harrison will be your guide providing interpretive information and recreational knowledge, all while getting to know our fellow veterans in the beauty of the great outdoors. This hike will be at the John Rock Loop in Pisgah, you can meet at the farm at 9am and ride together or meet at the trailhead at 930am. Return to the farm after for drop off.

Participant Gear List (Day Hike)

Required

1. Day hiking pack (smaller, 25 liters or less capacity)

2. Weather appropriate clothing for activity

a. Rain jacket

b. Warm layers and clothing dependent on the individual, you know your body best

3. Proper footwear for trails (boots, trail runners, etc)

4. Food (lunch and snacks)

5. Water (2 liters minimum)

6. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, UV protective clothing, etc)

7. Knife or multi-tool

8. Personal/hygiene items

a. baby wipes, hand sanitizer, menstrual products, toilet paper, meds, etc

9. Headlamp or flashlight

10. Small trash bag for anything you need to pack out

Optional

1. hiking/trekking poles

2. Handkerchief/comfort items

3. Something to write on/journal

4. Binoculars

The trip leader will at all times carry

1. Group first aid kit

2. Emergency kit

3. Map and Compass

4. Water treatment"

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Where: Meet at the farm at 9am or meet at the John Rock Loop Trailhead at 930am.

Time: 9am - 4pm

Blacksmithing - Make Your Own Bottle Opener

with Jasper Herr

Come work with Jasper making a personal handmade bottle opener. This is your chance to try your hand at blacksmithing!

The class is designed to have you participating in almost every step of the process and I make sure you end up with a high-quality product.

Our blacksmithing classes are very popular, and class sizes are small. If you've attended one before, please allow another person to sign-up.

When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 9am - 5pm

Primitive Medicine and Edible Plants 

with Piked Antler Project

This is hands down one of our most popular classes. Learning about edible and medicinal plants is empowering! Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of wild plants, discovering their edible, medicinal, and bushcraft uses. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this class offers hands-on experiences and valuable knowledge that will enhance your connection to the natural world. From identifying edible plants to harnessing the medicinal properties of nature's remedies, you'll gain valuable insights and practical skills that will enrich your outdoor adventures. Sign up today and unlock the secrets of the wilderness! 

When: Friday, June 20, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 2pm

Full Day Wellness Retreat at VHF!

Isn't it time for a little self-care? We have a full day lined up: Tai Chi, sound therapy, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage, and even a cold plunge and sauna! Lunch is included in this day of healing!

• 9am. Tai Chi
• 930am -11am. One of the 3 options - Acupuncture, massage, or cold plunge/sauna
• 11am. Sound Therapy
• 1130am - noon. Try one of the 3 options -Acupuncture, massage, or cold plunge/sauna
• Noon. Lunch provided.
• 1pm. Yoga
• 130pm - 3pm. Try one of the 2 options - Massage or Acupuncture
• 3pm. Finish the day out with guided meditation!

Please bring clothes to try the cold plunge and sauna.

Yoga mats are needed if you do not have one. We will provide one for you.

Bring water and wear comfortable clothes to try all of these wonderful activities!

When: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 9am - 330pm

Simple and Nutritional Meal Prep: prioritizing your health through affordable, seasonal, and local ingredients

with Sam Raph

Learn simple and cost-effective meal preparation to nourish your body, and support your local community—all while saving time in the kitchen and reducing food waste! Join holistic chef, Sam Raph, for a demonstrative workshop where she'll cook and guide you through making a week’s worth of meals + snacks with a focus on nourishing, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients. 

For beginner or seasoned cooks—you'll be provided with grocery lists, easy recipes, and knowledge that make healthy eating both affordable and achievable. Sam will walk you through how to plan meals around what's in season, and also provide adaptations for creating satisfying dishes that fit your lifestyle, food preferences, and budget. 

By the end of the class, you'll have had the opportunity to sample/taste all of the dishes and ask questions—leaving with newfound confidence in the kitchen, and the knowledge to continue prepping nourishing meals on your own!

When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 1pm

Weeds and Mulch

with Maddie McCann

Weed is a nuanced word. Over time, we have been led to think weeds are the worst possible enemy in the garden and landscape. In this class we will deepen our understanding of what weeds actually are and what they mean about your environment. Once we talk about different types of "weeds" we will then learn how to reduce weeds the natural way using supplies you have at home. We may even change our own minds about what is a weed and what is not. Stop spending your season fighting with stubborn weeds and actually enjoy your garden this season!

When: Friday, June 27, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Beginner Backpacking

Looking to reconnect with nature and take on a new challenge? This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for veterans who want to learn or refine essential backpacking skills. We’ll cover gear selection, packing strategies, trail nutrition, water treatment, bear safety, and the 10 Essentials for backcountry preparedness.

The session will wrap up with an open Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and share experiences. Whether you’re seeking a new mission in the wild or simply a way to decompress, this workshop will prepare you for your next journey into the backcountry.ion, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

When: Saturday, June 28, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 1230pm

Equine Therapy

with Heart of Horse Sense

Join us for a day retreat focused on mental health and healing through the unique bond between veterans and horses. Hosted by Veteran Healing Farm in collaboration with Heart of Horse Sense, this special event offers a full day dedicated to learning, wellness, and self-discovery through equine connections. Lunch is provided.

Our interactions with horses can mirror the relationships in our lives, including the critical relationship we hold with ourselves. By engaging in this retreat, veterans will have the opportunity to explore these connections deeply. Our trauma-informed approach encourages participants to observe and reflect on horse behavior, gaining valuable insights into personal challenges and strengths.

When: Saturday, June 28, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm

Veterans Healing Farm Seeks Sponsors, Exhibitors, for 2025 Women Warriors’ Keynote Luncheon

Apr 22, 2025 04:40PM ● By WNC Business

Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster is a soldier, an engineer, a wife and mother, and a trailblazer. One of only three women to graduate from the first integrated United States Army Ranger program — one of the most difficult combat training courses in the world — Lisa was the first female Army Reserve officer to become Ranger qualified. Lisa endured the training, which takes a minimum of 61 days and includes up to 20 hours of training per day alongside a strict diet, for a grueling six months. She graduated at age 37, while the average trainee age is 23.

Unbroken Spirit

2025 Programs are now open!

The Veterans Healing Farm is partnering with Unbroken Spirit to empower you with training, support, and resources to unlock your full potential. Discover how their 3 Phase Transformative Program can help you become your best-self. This Veterans program is completely free.

2025 Programs are open now and space is limited. Apply Today! In-person dates are: 

• May 20-25, 2025
• July 21-27. 2025, Adaptive Sports 
• Sep 16-21, 2025

Check out the videos from our Spring Wilderness Experience team and Summer Adaptive Team. The team came as strangers and left as lifelong friends. For more information or questions, please email info@unbrokenspirit.org.

GARDEN VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 9AM - NOON.

MEDICINAL HERB VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME FRIDAYS, 10AM - 2PM.

PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON OUR WEBSITE'S CALENDAR FOR SATURDAY VOLUNTEER DAYS AND TIMES.

Volunteering at the Farm

There is no required commitment of time, or duties. Come and go as you please, and participate in what you would like to help with (or come and just hang out). Current teams include:

Vegetable Garden Volunteers

The soil needs worked, the weeds need picked, the starts need started, the produce needs picked, washed, and prepared for distribution. Volunteers will learn about the various aspects of organic farming. No prior farming experience necessary.

Grounds Maintenance Volunteers

Grounds maintenance focuses on the overall health of the land. This includes tree and bush trimming, cutting grass, clearing land, pond health, and various landscape projects. No prior experience necessary.

Flower Squad Volunteers

We grow a variety of flowers which are then made into bouquets and distributed at the Charles George VA Medical Center. You will plant, harvest and maintain our beautiful flower gardens. We’ll also have a flower design class for the team. No prior experience necessary.

Medicinal Herb Squad Volunteers

The Medicinal Herb Squad is led by our Plant Medicine Director, Rebecca Vann. Volunteers here will learn to grow the most popular and locally appropriate medicinal herbs, e.g., echinacea, valerian, skullcap, lemon balm, ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, chamomile, elderberry, and 50+ others. The Squad then harvests the herbs and helps make them into tinctures, teas, balms, and salves used by our Veterans – and volunteers! Rebecca also teaches workshops throughout the summer, at no charge to our members. No prior experience necessary.

Bee Squad Volunteers

The volunteer beekeepers raise and care for our honeybees. They construct and clean hives, induct wild swarms, splitting colonies, mite treatment, collect honey, and ensure the overall health of the hive. No prior bee experience necessary.

Back Office Volunteers

There is always plenty of work that doesn’t involve physical labor. We need volunteers to help with the back-end operations of the farm. This is accomplished through our volunteer committees for marketing, social media, events, membership, website development, fundraising, and community outreach. If you have any of these skills, new members are welcome and needed.

Make sure you find the opportunity that suits you best. For more information, please email veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com, subject line - Volunteering.