Cultivating Connections: Vera Simon-Nobes and the Farm-Based Education Network

Episode Title: Cultivating Connections: Vera Simon-Nobes and the Farm-Based Education Network
Guest: Vera Simon-Nobes, Coordinator of the Farm-Based Education Network

In this rich and inspiring conversation, host Christa Hein sits down with Vera Simon-Nobes, a lifelong educator and community connector, to explore the many branches of farm-based education. Vera shares her incredible journey from attending her first NOFA-VT potluck conference as a college student, to co-founding tiny farm startups, to helping launch nationally significant networks that uplift farm educators across the country.

You’ll hear about:
• The Farm-Based Education Network (FBEN) and how it supports over 4,600 members through peer learning, workshops, and resource sharing
• Vera’s work at Shelburne Farms, where she splits her time between teaching, farming, and organizing national programming
• Her early work in food access through Cooking Matters in San Francisco and how that shaped her equity-centered lens
• The beauty and purpose behind her micro-business, Rhubarb Leather, which turns local hides into hand-stitched art
• Her growing interest in language, justice, and kinship with nature, inspired by the writing of Robin Wall Kimmerer
• A powerful vision for reparative justice and her hopes to support BIPOC-led land trusts and education initiatives Vera’s story is one of creativity, purpose, and deep care for people and the planet.

Whether you’re new to farm education or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find wisdom, inspiration, and joy in this episode.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
• Farm-Based Education Network – free to join!
• Shelburne Farms
• Cultivating Joy and Wonder – Shelburne Farms early childhood resource
• My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem
• Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust
• Cooking Matters
• La Cocina

📬 Connect with Vera and the FBEN:
Website: farmbasededucation.org
Instagram & Facebook: @farmbasededucation

🔗 Stay Connected with the Farm Educator's Roadmap
🌿 Website: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com
📸 Instagram: @farm_educators_roadmap
📘 Facebook Page: facebook.com/farmeducatorsroadmap
👥 Join the Private Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/farmeducatorsroadmap
📥 Download the Free Guide: www.farmeducatorsroadmap.com/5simplesteps