The Lands at Hillside farms
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 438-acre educational dairy farm in Shavertown, Pennsylvania, serving K-12 students, vulnerable youth, and the local community through curriculum-aligned farm education, trauma-informed Care Farming, summer camps, and an on-site Dairy Store.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersShavertown, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Lands at Hillside farms does
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational dairy farm operating on a 438-acre historic property in Shavertown (Trucksville), Pennsylvania, founded in 2005 by veterinarian Dr. Douglas J. Ayers (1961–2017). The organization's mission is to teach life choices that are healthy, practical, and sustainable, delivered through four integrated program lines: curriculum-aligned farm-based education for K-12 students meeting Pennsylvania Academic Standards; the Summer Farm Camp (now in its 19th season) serving grades Pre-K through 8 at $275 per week; trauma-informed Care Farming services for children ages 6-14 dealing with grief, foster care, or developmental challenges, provided free of charge through donor funding; and the Dream Green Farm vocational training program for special needs students in partnership with Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU18) since 2009. A retail Dairy Store and Mercantile selling 100+ locally produced SKUs (artisan cheese, raw honey, certified organic produce, baked goods) and a seasonal Ice Cream Parlor generate earned revenue, supplemented by donations, grants, and event sponsorships.
The underlying operating model combines a working dairy farm (transitioned to free-stall housing in the 2019 Dr. Doug Ayers Dairy Barn), historic preservation assets (circa-1825 timber frame barns, an 1820-1870 Lord & Burnham greenhouse), and a therapeutic programming layer staffed by mental health professionals, trauma counselors, and occupational therapists. Revenue is diversified across earned income (camp fees, store sales, ice cream), contributed income (individual donations, community sponsorships, animal sponsorship program), and institutional grants (USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant administered via Food Dignity in 2025, $144,767.80). Distribution is entirely on-site and direct-to-consumer: there is no wholesale channel, no multi-site footprint, and no e-commerce described. The organization is run by a small permanent staff under Executive Director Chet Mozloom and governed by a volunteer board led by President Jack W. Jones; named partners include LIU18, King's College, Wilkes University, Misericordia University, CASA Wyoming Valley, Luzerne County 4-H, and the Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA.
The Lands at Hillside farms firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Lands at Hillside farms
- Legal name
- The Lands at Hillside Farms
- Website
- https://thelandsathillsidefarms.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Lands at Hillside Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 438-acre educational dairy farm in Shavertown, Pennsylvania, serving K-12 students, vulnerable youth, and the local community through curriculum-aligned farm education, trauma-informed Care Farming, summer camps, and an on-site Dairy Store.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Lands at Hillside farms industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Farm Services
- NAICS
- Dual-Purpose Cattle Ranching and Farming (112130)
- SIC
- Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pasture-Based & Grazing Dairy Systems (AFAEACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Grazing & Pasture-Based Operations (Range, Rotational Grazing) (AFAEAFAG)
Keywords
Where The Lands at Hillside farms is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shavertown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Lands at Hillside farms business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Retail Sales: Dairy Store sells over 100 products including artisan cheese, raw honey, organic vegetables, baked goods, jellies, jams, salsas, syrups, chocolates, and beverages. Ice Cream Parlor provides additional revenue.
- Summer Farm Camp Programs: Camp fees of $275 per week per child for grades 1-8, with additional before/after care at $25 per child per week. Also includes Care Farming services provided free of charge through donor generosity.
- Donations and Grants: Nonprofit relies on community donations, grants (including USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant administered through Food Dignity), and fundraising events such as the 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Farm Camp (Grades 1-8) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mini Camp (Pre-K/Kindergarten) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Care Farming Program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Lands at Hillside farms product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lands at Hillside Farms operates a 438-acre nonprofit educational dairy farm offering hands-on agricultural education, summer farm camp programs for grades K-8, trauma-informed Care Farming therapeutic services for vulnerable youth, and an on-site Dairy Store and Mercantile selling over 100 local and organic food products. The farm combines sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and community-based programming through curriculum-aligned educational sessions, vocational training, and community events in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Product overview
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a 438-acre nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational dairy farm operating since 2006 with a mission to teach healthy, logical, and sustainable life choices. The organization offers a unified portfolio centered on experiential farm-based education: the core Educational Dairy Farm Experience serves thousands of students annually through hands-on learning with farm animals; the Dairy Store and Mercantile functions as a local food hub selling over 100 artisan and organic products; Summer Farm Camp (now in its 19th season) serves grades 1-8; Care Farming Services provides trauma therapy for children ages 6-14 at no charge; Green Guides Programs offer therapeutic nature-based activities for at-risk youth; and Farm-Based Education Sessions deliver curriculum-aligned programs for schools. Additional offerings include the Dream Green Farm vocational training program, an annual Events Program featuring historic reenactments and seasonal celebrations, and Animal Sponsorship opportunities. The farm's co-faculty animals and historic infrastructure (including a restored 1820-1870 greenhouse and 1825 timber frame barns) support these integrated educational and community programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Educational Dairy Farm Experience
- Dairy Store and Mercantile
- Summer Farm Camp Now in its 19th season, this camp serves students entering grades 1-8 with farm activities, animal care, hiking, educational tours, hayrides, STEM activities, stream explorations, and dairy herd milking for older campers. Cost is $275 per week per child with before/after care available for $25 per child per week. Mini Camp for Pre-K/Kindergarten is limited to 15 campers per week.
- Care Farming Services An evidence-based therapeutic program for children ages 6-14 facing trauma, including loss of family members, foster care, kinship care, or family addiction. The program provides interaction with mental health professionals, trauma counselors, and occupational therapists, along with farm-based activities. Accommodates 15 children per camp at no charge, funded by donor generosity.
- Green Guides Programs An educational and therapeutic program for autistic and other at-risk youth providing nature-based activities related to science, math, history, horticulture, animal husbandry, and sustainable agriculture. Available free-of-charge to special needs children, focusing on gross and fine motor skills, socialization, healthy eating, grief processing, and self-confidence.
- Farm-Based Education Sessions Curriculum-based farm programs for elementary and high school students meeting Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Sessions include 'The Moo-gic of Milk Dairy Farm Adventure,' 'Discovering Dairy Calves,' 'Farm Animal Sentience,' 'Dairy Farm Carbon Cycle,' and 'Buffer Zones & Healthy Streams.'
- Dream Green Farm Vocational Training Program A transitional vocational training program for special needs students from Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18. Students engage in sustainable agricultural activities including planting, harvesting, and selling produce at the Wilkes-Barre Farmer's Market while assisting with daily farm animal care. Achieved 100% program sustainability by year three.
- Farm Events Program Annual calendar of farm and nature-focused community events including Gentle Sheep Shearing, Celebrate Dairy Day, Garden Tea Party, Historic Camp at Spring Brook Farm, 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment Living History demonstrations, and Christmas in the Barns.
- Animal Sponsorship Program Annual sponsorship opportunities to support education animals, helping offset costs for animal care, feeding, bedding, and overall wellness. Sponsorships handled by the Director of Marketing & Development.
Quantifiable outcome
- Dream Green Farm achieved 100% program sustainability by year three
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Lands at Hillside farms
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Lands at Hillside farms technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Lands at Hillside farms partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Cancer Wellness Center of NEPAcore2025 inaugural partnership with Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA (previously Candy's Place). Provides respite-focused activities and experiences for cancer patients and families.
- King's College Occupational Therapy Departmentcore2025 partnership with King's College Dr. Jennifer Dessoye OT Department. Care Farming Program integrated into required fieldwork for doctoral OT students. Demonstrates educational caliber and commitment to community service.
- Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU18)coreLong-standing partnership since 2009 for Dream Green Farm, a 2-acre transitional vocational training program for special needs students. Initially a two-year USDA pilot program. Students engage in sustainable agricultural activities including planting, harvesting, and selling produce at the Wilkes-Barre Farmer's Market. Program achieved 100% sustainability by year three.
- Food Dignity MovementcoreHillside serves as a quarterly site for Food Dignity's 'Take What You Need, Pay What You Can' stand offering locally grown produce and pastured eggs. Food Dignity applied for USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant on behalf of Hillside Farms.
- CASA Wyoming ValleycoreHillside hosts CASA's annual Christmas party for children in the foster care system. One week of Care Farming Trauma Program serves children in Luzerne and Wyoming County foster care system. CASA staff and volunteers provide support.
- Luzerne County 4-HminorHillside serves as local hub for Penn State University. Staff and parent volunteers supervise weekly hands-on learning experiences related to farm animal care and sustainable farming practices.
- Wilkes UniversityminorUniversity partnership for student volunteers through 'The Big Event' community service program and potential academic collaborations.
- Misericordia UniversityminorAcademic partnership studying Dream Green Farm Program and providing employment opportunities for program graduates.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Lands at Hillside farms competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Hawthorne Valley Farm: Hawthorne Valley Farm is a biodynamic nonprofit farm in Ghent, New York, with on-site education, school visits, and farm store retail — closely aligned with Hillside's educational dairy, summer camps, and farm-based learning portfolio.
- Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture: Stone Barns is a nonprofit farm and education center in Pocantico Hills, New York, operating a working farm with public programming, farmer training, and school-based food education — comparable to Hillside in its hybrid education-plus-agriculture nonprofit model.
- Billings Farm & Museum: Billings Farm is a working Jersey dairy farm and museum in Woodstock, Vermont, operated as a nonprofit with public education, farm tours, and retail dairy products — directly comparable to Hillside's operating dairy, education sessions, and on-site retail store.
- Green Chimneys: Green Chimneys is a nonprofit in Brewster, New York, combining a working farm with therapeutic special education, residential treatment, and animal-assisted programs for at-risk youth — the closest direct peer to Hillside's Care Farming and Green Guides therapeutic model.
- Shelburne Farms: Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit 1,400-acre historic working farm and education center in Shelburne, Vermont, focused on stewardship, place-based education, and sustainability — closely paralleling Hillside's model of combining a working dairy, education programming, and public programming on a historic property.
- Red Wiggler Community Farm: Red Wiggler is a nonprofit farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, employing adults with developmental disabilities and providing inclusive education programs — paralleling Hillside's Dream Green Farm vocational training and inclusive programming for special needs populations.
Others
- Penn State Extension (Luzerne County 4-H): Penn State Extension supports 4-H youth development programs, including agricultural education partnerships with farms like Hillside — an ecosystem enabler providing curriculum, volunteer infrastructure, and youth development frameworks.
- PA Preferred / Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture programs: State agricultural and food programs in Pennsylvania connect farms with retail, agritourism, and educational resources — an ecosystem-level enabler for Hillside's Dairy Store, agritourism, and farm-education activities.
Emerging players
- Care Farms Network (Care Farming UK / regional US care farms): Care farming networks aggregate farms that deliver therapeutic, educational, and social services on working farms — directly addressing the same Care Farming use case Hillside serves for trauma-exposed children in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Regional players
- Appleton Farms: Appleton Farms is a Trustees of Reservations property in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with a working dairy, farm store, education programs, and public events — a strong regional analog combining dairy production, education, and retail on a single historic property.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Lands at Hillside farms social profiles
Digital presenceThe Lands at Hillside farms financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Lands at Hillside farms leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
The Lands at Hillside farms funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Lands at Hillside farms M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Lands at Hillside farms
What does The Lands at Hillside farms do?
The Lands at Hillside Farms operates a 438-acre nonprofit educational dairy farm offering hands-on agricultural education, summer farm camp programs for grades K-8, trauma-informed Care Farming therapeutic services for vulnerable youth, and an on-site Dairy Store and Mercantile selling over 100 local and organic food products. The farm combines sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and community-based programming through curriculum-aligned educational sessions, vocational training, and community events in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Is The Lands at Hillside farms a public or private company?
The Lands at Hillside farms is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Lands at Hillside farms founded?
The Lands at Hillside farms was founded in 2005. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Lands at Hillside farms based?
The Lands at Hillside farms is headquartered in Shavertown, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Lands at Hillside farms make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Retail Sales are the primary driver. The others are summer Farm Camp Programs and donations and Grants.
Who are The Lands at Hillside farms's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hawthorne Valley Farm, Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, Billings Farm & Museum, Green Chimneys, Shelburne Farms and Red Wiggler Community Farm. Others are Penn State Extension (Luzerne County 4-H) and PA Preferred / Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture programs. Care Farms Network (Care Farming UK / regional US care farms) is listed as an emerging player. Appleton Farms is listed as a regional player.
Does The Lands at Hillside farms have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Lands at Hillside farms.
What industry is The Lands at Hillside farms in?
The Lands at Hillside farms's product category is Educational Farm Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEACAI, Pasture-Based & Grazing Dairy Systems, with a secondary code of AFAEAFAG, Grazing & Pasture-Based Operations (Range, Rotational Grazing). Its NAICS code is 112130 and its SIC code is 200.