Pikes Peak Community Foundation

History Located on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs, this historic 190 acre urban farm, known as the “Pumpkin Farm”, was established by the Venetucci Family in 1936. Nick and Bambi Venetucci gave away thousands of pumpkins each fall to area school children. Wanting to preserve this valuable piece of land as a farm, the Venetucci's put it into conservancy and gifted the farm to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation in 2006. Thanks to the generosity of the Venetucci Family and the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Venetucci Farm is once again a working farm committed to growing healthy food and providing healthy experiences for the Colorado Springs community.

What do we grow and where do we sell it?

Venetucci Farm is most famous for its large pumpkin patch and for the annual Pumpkin4Kids give-away program.  In addition to this fabulous community program, we also  grow over 100 different varieties of chemical-free vegetables and herbs. The farm is also home to pastured heritage hogs, grass fed beef, and a large flock of laying hens. All our products are sold locally through a CSA program, at the local farmers market, Colorado Farm and Art Market, an on-site farm stand, and to local restaurants, including Adams Mountain Cafe, Bon Appetit, Pizzeria Rustica, Nosh, and Ranch Food Direct.  

How do we grow it?

Recognizing that ‘soil in good heart’ is at the root of healthy plants, healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet, we employ farming practices that restore and enhance the health of the soil. Aware of the damaging effects chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides have on the eco-system above as well as below the soil surface, we choose not to use them. We rely instead on minimal tillage, cover and inter- cropping, composting, diverse and rotational cropping, careful seed selection, and the integration of farm animals to help build the soil and create a healthy, diverse farm eco-system.

How can you get connected to the Farm?

We invite the community to join us in this good work by taking advantage of the many meaningful education and volunteer opportunities we offer. In addition to our summer Junior Farmhands Camp, we offer educational tours, classes and service learning opportunities for school and community groups in the spring and fall. We also welcome volunteers throughout the growing season. 
 

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News

4th Annual Great Pumpkin Run at Venetucci Farm - October 2nd, 8:30 a.m.  PPCF will host another fun event with a 5K and 10K race at Venetucci Farm plus a Little Pumpkin Fun Run.  Registration is now open, race is limited to 600 runners.  Find out More or Register on-line NOW!  Sponsored by Colorado Springs Utilities and Runner's Roost

Volunteer...
Volunteer Days - Every Thursday  through October;
Next Event:  Thursday September 2nd and Saturday, September 9th - Sign-Up now to help out at the Farm!

Community Supported Agriculture...
CSA Shares for 2010 are now SOLD OUT at Venetucci Farm.  Find out more about CSA for next year.

Education ...
Fall Classes at the Farm start August, 30th.  Venetucci Farm's Summer Junior Farmhands Program was an overwhelming success.  This innovative summer camp offered a fun filled week of new experiences and adventures. Find out more about Junior Farmhands for next year and other Educational Programs offered at Venetucci Farm.

Check back regularly for updates about Edcuational Programs and Volunteer Opportunities.