A Living Laboratory

We seek to demonstrate what is possible by experimenting towards a healing practice of Christian faith fully integrated with the care of Creation. Here, people grow food, and we see God growing people.

We're right here...
and wherever you are.

Twelve acres, two houses, historic barns, and many seeds for the future (including weed seeds and invasives, we’re not perfect) are located twenty minutes north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our experiential programs for all ages take place right here, in the Rogue River sub-watershed of the Lower Grand River watershed.
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As a living laboratory, our connections cross the country. We're growing a network of Christian outdoor farm, food and environmental educators; we educate leaders about wiser use of church-owned land. In a few short years Plainsong has made a difference both locally and nationally.

We're named for a tradition of sung prayer practiced by Benedictine communities who make vows to care for one place for a lifetime. We find that inspiring. As an organization affiliated with the Episcopal Church, it's also part of our heritage.
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If you can, come to the farm! If you can’t, you can still be involved, wherever you are.

Plainsong LocalPlainsong NationalOur Practices
local work
National work
Our practices

The History of Plainsong Farm


2014

Nurya, Mike and Bethany begin to dream together of how Plainsong Farm could come to life.

2015

Mike and Bethany move to the property and begin to turn it into a productive farm for the first time since the 80's.

2017

Plainsong holds the first on-farm worship services and we visit our inspiration organization, Adamah Farm.

2018

FaithLands/ChurchLands gatherings connect land access professionals and religious leaders nationally for the first time. On the farm, an ecumenical community begins by growing heirloom wheat for communion bread together.

2019

Plainsong Farm becomes a separately incorporated non-profit organization. Our first young adult residents are with us for eleven weeks.

2020

We start a local Good News Gardens program in response to the pandemic. The young adult program becomes part of Episcopal Service Corps.

2021

A new website and logo mark our maturity and capacity to contribute to the wider movement of Christians seeking healing and justice through food and agriculture.

2022

Plainsong Farm's board of directors purchases the 12 acres and two houses on a seller-financed mortgage.