Intervale Center

The Intervale Center’s mission is to strengthen community food systems that sustain farms, land, and people. Founded in 1988, we steward a 360-acre campus of farmland, trails, and open space along the Winooski River in Burlington, Vermont. From this beloved place, our impact extends across the state as we work to enhance farm viability and promote sustainable land use. Beyond Vermont, the Intervale Center serves as a model for food and farming organizations around the world.

At the Intervale Center, we believe that good food can change the world! We’re transforming the food system from one that is degrading, anonymous, and industrial to one that is restorative, familiar, and human-scale. Our mission is to foster a local food economy that benefits both people and the planet. We manage 300 acres of land dedicated to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and recreation in the heart of Burlington, Vermont. People have been living and farming in the Intervale for over 4,000 years. Our offices are located at the historic Calkins Farmstead, the site of Burlington's last working dairy farm. Our land is open year-round to the public for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

Our Goals:

Sustaining Farms: We work to increase the viability of farming in Vermont by supporting new farmers, helping existing farms grow their businesses, and developing markets for local producers.

Sustaining Land: We promote the sustainable use of agricultural lands, taking special care of the unique Intervale. Each year, we grow and plant over 30,000 native trees along Vermont's rivers and streams to protect water quality.

Sustaining People: We engage our community in the food system, ensuring that everyone has access to local food—from low-income individuals to busy working families. Our events help nurture a food culture that values taste, tradition, health, conviviality, and responsibility.