Glynwood Center helps communities address change in ways that conserve local culture and natural resources while strengthening  economic well-being..

One of the most daunting challenges confronting many communities is sustaining local agriculture.   We have increased our focus on agricultural issues to bring our resources and experience to bear on this complex set of issues. 

Glynwood itself – with its 225-acre farm, landscape and conference facility – is at the heart of our work.  Located just 60 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, it affords us the base from which we can do, learn and share with others.

The farm gives us the opportunity to demonstrate operations that are economically productive and environmentally sensitive.  It gives us a very real interest in strengthening the regional food system in the Hudson Valley.  It allows us to learn in ways that enhance the credibility of our programmatic commitments. 

Our conference facilities provide the opportunity to model hospitality excellence based on environmentally sound operations.  Our guests enjoy food from Glynwood’s farm and garden and from other regional farmers.  We have experienced the challenges of working with local foods, developed ways to overcome them and use this knowledge to encourage others.

Our overall management of the site sends a message about stewardship to every guest, regardless of whether they have come for a training program, convening or farm tour.

We use our base in the Valley to strengthen the regional food economy – the connections among farmers, communities and consumers – and encourage community stewardship. 

As we identify emerging issues through our field work, we convene diverse groups at Glynwood to explore them and begin to frame responses. 

Communities across the country are grappling with similar challenges.  In all that we do, we identify innovators who are actively seeking and embracing change.  Whether community leaders, chefs or farmers, we seek to work with them, then share what we have learned to help others manage change more effectively.