First Responders
First Responders often face cultural and logistical hurdles when accessing wellness programs. Many are hesitant to seek help or feel constrained by rotating schedules often offered by their employers. EquiCenter’s innovative therapeutic approach offers a flexible scheduling system that allows participants to choose session times within 12-week intervals and a proactive outreach model that ensures that program opportunities are accessible and appealing to this unique community as they work to heal their invisible wounds.
Mission Mustang®
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and EquiCenter, partnered to develop a national model called Mission Mustang®. Led by a Rochester Police Department Officer certified as a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Equine Mental Health Specialist, this program’s purpose is to document the process of gentling and training wild horses and burros for eventual placement into loving homes, including integration into other therapeutic equestrian programs designed to improve the health and well-being of first responders with Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and other physical and mental wounds.
Seasonal Horticultural Learning
The changing seasons brings opportunities for unique and changing programming:
Maple syrup production—Harvesting the natural sweetener produced by maple trees is a great way to learn about forest ecology, indigenous foodways, and modern syrup production. Through nature walks in our maple forest and demonstrations of tapping, boiling, and candy making, participants gain practical knowledge while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of outdoor programming.
Bees and Honey—Without pollinators, we couldn’t grow food and our ecosystem would be paralyzed. Honeybees are one of many pollinators that help our Farm thrive. By partnering with these incredible insects, we can learn about their essential function, share in their delicious honey, and learn about the history and science of beekeeping.
Food preservation—This six-part series offers hands-on workshops in food preservation, teaching participants diverse methods to extend the life of fresh ingredients. Topics include making fire cider, drying and freezing herbs, pickling, fermenting, and both water bath and pressure canning. Participants take home the preserves they make.
Farm & Garden Design—Participants learn to select and set up an at-home growing space of any size in this 3-part workshop series.
In Part 1: Site Selection, we'll focus on all the things to consider when picking out the location of your new growing space. In Part 2: Plant Selection, we'll cover considerations for selecting plants that will thrive in your unique growing space. And in Part 3: Design & Layout, we'll introduce design theories and layout practices that can be used to maximize your growing space.