Friends Farm

Harvest Dinner: A Farm to Table Experience & Community Gathering
2025-11-08 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Join us for an evening that celebrates both exceptional local food and meaningful human connection. Our Harvest Gathering combines the joy of sharing a communal meal with the opportunity to form genuine connections with fellow food lovers in your community.
What to Expect
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Step into a warm, relaxed environment where conversation flows as naturally as the wine. This isn’t about networking or small talk—it’s about creating space for authentic connections over incredible food.
Farm-to-Table Excellence
Every dish showcases the season’s finest offerings from our partner farms and local purveyors. Our family-style menu encourages sharing and creates an atmosphere of abundance and togetherness.
Featured Experience: Build-Together Salads, Soups & Stews
Start your evening creating personalized salads, soups and stews from a selection of seasonal fixings, each with its own story and local source.
The Evening Flow
Community Seating
Gather around intimate tables of 8, each featuring thoughtfully crafted conversation prompts that go beyond the ordinary.
Rotating Connections
Every 45 minutes, tables rotate, giving you the chance to meet new faces and hear fresh perspectives throughout the evening.
Storytelling & Seasons
Local farmers join us to share the stories behind your meal’s ingredients, connecting you directly to the land and hands that grew your food.
Guided Conversations
Each course introduces a new connection question, designed to spark meaningful dialogue about the season, the harvest, and our shared experiences.
Take Home
Recipe Cards
Leave with the evening’s featured recipes so you can recreate the flavors at home.
New Connections
More importantly, take home new friendships and a renewed sense of community.
Event Details
Location: Nyland Commonhouse
3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO 80026
Investment: $35-50 per person sliding scale
Perfect for food enthusiasts, community-minded individuals, and anyone looking to expand their social circle in a meaningful way. Come hungry for both great food and genuine connection.

Plant ID & Foraging Skills with Friends Farm (Online)
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online, Link Sent with Registration
Embark on a thrilling journey with Friends Farm into the wonders of the plant kingdom and how we can live in harmony with our leafy friends!
🌿 Plant ID and Foraging (Jan 13th): Become a nature detective as we delve into the art of identifying edible and useful wild plants. Join our seasoned instructor as you’re guided through the lush landscapes of foraging, sharing insights on sustainable harvesting and responsible wildcrafting. Learn to connect with the environment, discovering treasures hiding in plain sight.
Event Details:
📅 Date:

Plant ID and Foraging: Tuesday, January 13th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Online through Zoom (Recordings will also be sent out)
Investment:
This class is offered on a sliding scale of $45-$50. Your investment not only supports your learning journey, but also contributes to Friends Farm’s mission of fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Participate in this unique adventure by signing up today! Follow, like, and stay tuned for updates on our social media channels (@friendsfarmco on facebook and instagram). For more, contact Oliver at 757.971.3416 or info@friendsfarm.org.

About Oliver:
Oliver Aurand is an organic farmer and a founder of Friends Farm with 10 years of experience in permaculture, botany, foraging and survival skills. He has taught classes in multiple states and applies this knowledge of varied ecosystems and food ways to share a holistic view of our natural world.
Armed with a degree in Anthropology, Oliver delves deep into ethnobotany and the art of ‘primitive skills,’ cultivating a profound understanding of living in harmonious relation with the land. By avoiding the overly technical, cultish, or fear-driven narratives, Oliver crafts an engaging tapestry that invites participants to discover the beauty and wisdom of our connection with nature and the art of survival.

This Class is part of a two part series that also includes Survival Skills and Emergency Preparedness. You can sign up for both parts for a discount here: https://friendsfarm.org/events…
Join us as we venture into the wild, learning, connecting, and thriving together. Let’s cultivate a community that not only survives but thrives in harmony with the rhythms of nature. #Foraging #Plant ID #FriendsFarmExperience

Foraging & Survival Skills (Two Class Package)
2026-01-13 18:00 - 2026-01-20 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online, Link Sent with Registration
Foraging and Survival Skills Unleashed: A Nature Immersion Experience

Embark on a thrilling journey with Friends Farm as we present an unparalleled Foraging and Survival Skills class on Tuesday, January 13th, and Sunday, January 20th, both from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, uncover the secrets of the wild, and equip yourself with essential survival skills.
Class Breakdown:
🌿 Plant ID and Foraging (Jan 13th): Become a nature detective as we delve into the art of identifying edible and useful wild plants. Join our seasoned instructors as they guide you through the lush landscapes of foraging, sharing insights on sustainable harvesting and responsible wildcrafting. Learn to connect with the environment, discovering treasures hiding in plain sight.
(More Details Here: https://friendsfarm.org/events/plant-id-foraging/)
🔥 Survival Skills (Jan 20th): Elevate your outdoor prowess with a deep dive into survival skills. From emergency preparedness to feeling at home in the wild, this session covers the essentials for navigating and thriving in nature. Our experienced facilitators will share time-tested techniques, fostering a connection between you and the great outdoors.
(More Details: https://friendsfarm.org/events/survival-to-thrival/)
Event Details:
📅 Dates:

Plant ID and Foraging: Tuesday, January 13th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Survival Skills: Tuesday, January 20th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Online through Zoom (Recordings will also be sent out after)
Investment:
Choose to attend one session for $45-$50 (sliding scale) or maximize your experience by joining both for $75-$85. Your investment not only supports your learning journey but also contributes to Friends Farm’s mission of fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Participate in this unique adventure by signing up today! Follow, like, and stay tuned for updates on our social media channels (friendsfarmco on facebook and instragram). For more information, contact Oliver at 757.971.3416 or hellofriendsfarm@gmail.com

About Oliver:
Oliver Aurand is an organic farmer and a founder of Friends Farm with 10 years of experience in permaculture, botany, foraging and survival skills. He has taught classes in multiple states and applies this knowledge of varied ecosystems and food ways to share a holistic view of our natural world.
Armed with a degree in Anthropology, Oliver delves deep into ethnobotany and the art of ‘primitive skills,’ cultivating a profound understanding of living in harmonious relation with the land. By avoiding the overly technical, cultish, or fear-driven narratives, Oliver crafts an engaging tapestry that invites participants to discover the beauty and wisdom of our connection with nature and the art of survival.

Join us as we venture into the wild, learning, connecting, and thriving together. Let’s cultivate a community that not only survives but thrives in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

From Survival to Thrival: Skills for Being at Home in Our World (Online)
2026-01-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online, Link Sent with Registration
Embark on a thrilling journey with Friends Farm to equip yourself with essential survival skills no matter where you roam!
Class Breakdown:
🔥 Survival Skills (Jan 20th): Elevate your outdoor prowess with a deep dive into survival skills. From emergency preparedness to feeling at home in the wild, this session covers the essentials for navigating and thriving in nature. We will share time-tested techniques, fostering a connection between you and the great outdoors.
What You’ll Learn:
🔥 Start and maintain a fire safely.
🏡 Build shelters with natural materials.
💧 Source and purify water.
🧭 Develop calm, resilient mindsets under pressure.
🧠 Learn survival decision-making strategies.
🎒 Build practical emergency kits for home, car, and travel.
📋 Create simple preparedness plans for families and communities.
Event Details:
📅 Date:

Survival Skills: Tuesday, January 20th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Online through Zoom (Recording will also be sent out after)
Investment:
This class is offered on a sliding scale of $45-$50. Your investment not only supports your learning journey but also contributes to Friends Farm’s mission of fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Participate in this unique adventure by signing up today! Follow, like, and stay tuned for updates on our social media channels (Friendsfarmco on facebook and instagram). For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Oliver at 757.971.3416 or hellofriendsfarm@gmail.com.

About Oliver:
Oliver Aurand is an organic farmer and a founder of Friends Farm with 10 years of experience in permaculture, botany, foraging and survival skills. He has taught classes in multiple states and applies this knowledge of varied ecosystems and food ways to share a holistic view of our natural world.
Armed with a degree in Anthropology, Oliver delves deep into ethnobotany and the art of ‘primitive skills,’ cultivating a profound understanding of living in harmonious relation with the land. By avoiding the overly technical, cultish, or fear-driven narratives, Oliver crafts an engaging tapestry that invites participants to discover the beauty and wisdom of our connection with nature and the art of survival.
This Class is part of a two part series that also includes Foraging, Plant ID and Botany. You can sign up for both parts for a discount here: https://friendsfarm.org/events…
Join us as we venture into the wild, learning, connecting, and thriving together. Let’s cultivate a community that not only survives but thrives in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Funky Fermented Beverages
2026-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Join us for a hands-on Fermentation Class led by Nicole (@rogue_kale), a professional brewer and fermentation expert with over a decade of experience! Nicole’s journey began with homebrewing and evolved into a passion for sustainable food practices. Now, she’s on a mission to help you tap into the magic of microbes and empower your nutritional journey.
Learn to make non-alcoholic fermented beverages like Kombucha, water Kefir, and beet Kvass! Students will be guided through the processes step by step, so they can create their own delicious and healthy drinks at home.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your fermentation skills and learn about the microbes behind these probiotic powerhouses. Come taste, learn and connect with other like minded nutrition and fermentation nerds.
As with all Nicole’s classes, there will be samples and treats to take home!
The cost is a sliding scale of $30-35.
Date: 03/29th 10am-12pm
Location: Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse 3525 Nyland Way Lafayette, CO 80026
Q’s? Reach Oliver at 757-971-3416 or hellofriendsfarm@gmail.com

Farm Tour and Farmer AMA
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Friends Farm, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Interested in Regenerative Farming?
Join us for an insider tour of Friends Farm, a two-acre biodynamic vegetable and herb farm at Nyland Cohousing! Whether you’re curious about the realities of regenerative farming or looking to get hands-on experience, this is your chance to dive deep into the nitty gritty of working with our climate and food system.
What You’ll Learn:
Our regenerative farming practices and how the history of our land shapes our decisions.
The challenges and opportunities of growing in our local climate, plus tips for success.
Insight into the plants best adapted to this region, and some trade secrets of the field.
We’ll leave plenty of time to answer all your farm and garden questions! After the tour, you’re welcome to stay for optional volunteering, where you can get hands-on learning prepping the farm for summer planting.
Bring water and sturdy shoes—we’ll also have farm-fresh samples and veggies available to purchase!
Date: 04/11th 10am-12pm
Location: Friends Farm
3600 Nyland Way, Lafayette 80026

Funky Farm Ferments with Nicole
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Join us for a hands-on Fermentation Class led by Nicole (@rogue_kale), a professional brewer and fermentation expert with over a decade of experience! Nicole’s journey began with homebrewing and evolved into a passion for sustainable food practices. Now, she’s on a mission to help you tap into the magic of microbes and empower your nutritional journey.
What You’ll Learn:
– How to safely ferment vegetables at home using lacto fermentation.
– Explore both wet and dry brine techniques.
– Learn how to connect with your senses to evaluate successful (and not-so-successful) ferments.
– Get tips—and tastings!—on how to incorporate fermented foods into your everyday meals.
Whether you’re new to fermentation or looking to refine your skills, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started at home.

Connection Dinner: A Farm to Table Experience & Community Gathering
2026-04-25 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Join us for an evening that celebrates both exceptional local food and meaningful human connection. Our Harvest Gathering combines the joy of sharing a communal meal with the opportunity to form genuine connections with fellow food lovers in your community.
What to Expect
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Step into a warm, relaxed environment where conversation flows freely. This isn’t about networking or small talk—it’s about creating space for authentic connections over incredible food.
Farm-to-Table Excellence
Every dish showcases the season’s finest offerings from our partner farms and local purveyors. Our family-style menu encourages sharing and creates an atmosphere of abundance and togetherness.
Featured Experience: Spring Tapas
Start your evening with a selection of seasonal fixings, each with its own story and local source.
The Evening Flow
Community Seating
Gather around intimate tables of 8, each featuring thoughtfully crafted conversation prompts that go beyond the ordinary.
Rotating Connections
Every 45 minutes, tables rotate, giving you the chance to meet new faces and hear fresh perspectives throughout the evening.
Storytelling & Seasons
Local farmers join us to share the stories behind your meal’s ingredients, connecting you directly to the land and hands that grew your food.
Guided Conversations
Each course introduces a new connection question, designed to spark meaningful dialogue about the season, the harvest, and our shared experiences.
Take Home
New Connections
Take home new friendships, hope and a renewed sense of community.
Event Details
Location: Nyland Commonhouse
3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO 80026
Investment: $40-55 per person sliding scale
Perfect for food enthusiasts, community-minded individuals, and anyone looking to expand their social circle in a meaningful way. Come hungry for both great food and genuine connection.

Farm Tour and Farmer AMA
2026-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Friends Farm, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Interested in Regenerative Farming?
Join us for an insider tour of Friends Farm, a two-acre biodynamic vegetable and herb farm at Nyland Cohousing! Whether you’re curious about the realities of regenerative farming or looking to get hands-on experience, this is your chance to dive deep into the nitty gritty of working with our climate and food system.
What You’ll Learn:
Our regenerative farming practices and how the history of our land shapes our decisions.
The challenges and opportunities of growing in our local climate, plus tips for success.
Insight into the plants best adapted to this region, and some trade secrets of the field.
We’ll leave plenty of time to answer all your farm and garden questions! After the tour, you’re welcome to stay for optional volunteering, where you can get hands-on learning prepping the farm for summer planting.
Bring water and sturdy shoes—we’ll also have farm-fresh samples and veggies available to purchase!
Date: 05/3nd 10am-12pm
Location: Friends Farm
3600 Nyland Way, Lafayette 80026

Chat-Cuterie Connection Dinner: A Farm to Table Experience & Community Gathering
2026-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Nyland Cohousing Commonhouse, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO, 80026, United States
Join us for an evening that celebrates both exceptional local food and meaningful human connection. Our Harvest Gathering combines the joy of sharing a communal meal with the opportunity to form genuine connections with fellow food lovers in your community.
What to Expect
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Step into a warm, relaxed environment where conversation flows freely. This isn’t about networking or small talk—it’s about creating space for authentic connections over incredible food.
Farm-to-Table Excellence
Every dish showcases the season’s finest offerings from our partner farms and local purveyors. Our family-style menu encourages sharing and creates an atmosphere of abundance and togetherness.
Featured Experience: Chat-cuterie
Start your evening with a selection of seasonal fixings, each with its own story and local source.
The Evening Flow
Community Seating
Gather around intimate tables of 8, each featuring thoughtfully crafted conversation prompts that go beyond the ordinary.
Rotating Connections
Every 45 minutes, tables rotate, giving you the chance to meet new faces and hear fresh perspectives throughout the evening.
Storytelling & Seasons
Local farmers join us to share the stories behind your meal’s ingredients, connecting you directly to the land and hands that grew your food.
Guided Conversations
Each course introduces a new connection question, designed to spark meaningful dialogue about the season, the harvest, and our shared experiences.
Take Home
New Connections
Take home new friendships, hope and a renewed sense of community.
Event Details
Location: Nyland Commonhouse
3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette, CO 80026
Investment: $40-55 per person sliding scale
Perfect for food enthusiasts, community-minded individuals, and anyone looking to expand their social circle in a meaningful way. Come hungry for both great food and genuine connection.

Spring Forage and Herb Walk with Catherine Hunziker
2026-05-24 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Denver) | The Herbiculture Hub Farm, 9722 Empire Rd, Louisville, CO, United States
Join us on Sunday May 24th from 10am to 12:30pm for a herb walk and foraging class at the Herbiculture Hub Farm!
We will look at the medicinal demonstration garden as well as take a walk around the whole farm to see the wild medicinals and edibles in several different microclimates.
We will discuss herbs that do well in our climate and learn how to use them for almost any assignment. You will also learn how to fast track your plant learning journey with some basic identification tools and how to categorize major plant families.
Your Teachers:
Catherine Hunziker is an herbalist with over 40 years of experience who has built WishGarden Herbs from a small midwife business into a national brand. Her new nonprofit, The Herbiculture Project, seeks to localize herbal supply chains and help communities take control of their health while helping farmers become more profitable and regenerative.
Oliver Aurand is an organic farmer and a founder of Friends Farm with 10 years of experience in permaculture, botany, foraging and survival skills. He has taught classes in multiple states and applies this knowledge of varied ecosystems and food ways to share a holistic view of our natural world.
This event is the first in a collaboration between the Herbiculture Project and Friends Farm, as we seek to create deep community around food and medicine. We would love for you to be co-creators on this journey with us!
The cost is a sliding scale of $30-40
Date: 05/24 10am-12pm
Location: The Herbiculture Hub Farm
9722 Empire Rd, Louisville, CO 80027
This event is part of our collaboration between the Herbiculture Project and Friends Farm, as we seek to create deep community around food and medicine. We would love for you to be co-creators on this journey with us!
Find out more about the Herbiculture Project at: https://theherbicultureproject.org/
Q’s? Reach Oliver at 757-971-3416 or hellofriendsfarm@gmail.com
