Alicia Cooley Email & Phone Number

Verona, Va

Improving the overall health of children and youth in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County through community farming that includes hands-on experience, nutrition education, and access to healthy food

Liberty University Morris Campus Farm

As the founder and manager of the Morris Campus Farm, my primary goal was to teach Liberty University students the importance, as well as the day-to-day responsibilities, of farming a diverse landscape using permaculture principles, symbiotic plant and animal relationships, and healthy soil-building techniques. Managing a team of 3 full-time employees, 5 part-time student workers, and an influx of interns, I oversaw a 15 acre farm that produced a variety of vegetables, fruits, and… Show more As the founder and manager of the Morris Campus Farm, my primary goal was to teach Liberty University students the importance, as well as the day-to-day responsibilities, of farming a diverse landscape using permaculture principles, symbiotic plant and animal relationships, and healthy soil-building techniques. Managing a team of 3 full-time employees, 5 part-time student workers, and an influx of interns, I oversaw a 15 acre farm that produced a variety of vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms, and raised livestock for egg and meat production using better-than-organic practices. Farm produce was served on campus, donated to local food banks, sold at a Farmer's Market, and consumed by a 30-member CSA. Show less

North Island, New Zealand

As a WOOFer, I had the unique opportunity to learn various new farming practices through working with a variety of individuals and farms. Among many experiences, the most memorable ones that have stuck with me include helping establish a small homestead through permaculture design, milking cows and learning BioDynamic practices with a group of adults with disabilities, and learning how to graft new apple trees onto old rootstock.

During my internship with Community Rebuilds, along with a team of 7 students, I gained hands-on experience with the construction of a straw bale home. I contributed to the foundation, framed walls, installed bales, made cob, applied a variety of natural plasters, raised roofing trusses, nailed shingles, and poured adobe floor. Alongside learning straw bale techniques, I learned earth bag technique and built an earth bag bench. Besides hands-on learning, Community Rebuilds focused on… Show more During my internship with Community Rebuilds, along with a team of 7 students, I gained hands-on experience with the construction of a straw bale home. I contributed to the foundation, framed walls, installed bales, made cob, applied a variety of natural plasters, raised roofing trusses, nailed shingles, and poured adobe floor. Alongside learning straw bale techniques, I learned earth bag technique and built an earth bag bench. Besides hands-on learning, Community Rebuilds focused on teaching Passive Solar home design and Permaculture Principals. This experience grew my love for working with my hands and created a deep passion for natural building. Nothing beats the feel of these homes! The deep window wells, the use of curves rather than corners, and the earthen plaster are immediately welcoming and calming. Show less