2026 Urban Farm Education Scholarship Opportunity

For Immediate Release - Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Dear Kent County Schools and Educational Organizations,

My name is Nicole Zaagman, and I own and operate Parkside Farm, an agritourism farm located in Byron Center. My mission is to impact families with farm education. With the 2025–2026 school season underway, I’m reaching out to schedule agricultural farm tours and field trips.

In addition to running Parkside Farm, I serve as a District 5 Board Member for Kent County Farm Bureau, representing Byron Center, Gaines, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids SW & SE, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming. It’s my goal to be a valuable agricultural resource to your school and our local communities.

I’m excited to share that the Kent County Farm Bureau Board has approved an Urban Farm Education Scholarship proposal I submitted on behalf of Parkside Farm. A total of $1,000 in sponsorship is now available for Kent County schools and educational organizations to apply toward field trips and farm tours in 2025-2026.

Sponsorship Details:

• Each school may receive a $100 sponsorship, covering the cost of 10 participants.

• Scholarships are first come, first served—available to the first 10 schools or educational organizations who book now until August 31, 2026.

• To apply, please complete this form. If approved, I will contact you to finalize your tour date, send required digital documents and $100 deposit payment request.

• More tour participants may be added (up to 60 per tour), at $10 per participant.

• Transportation to and from Parkside Farm is the responsibility of each organization.

Payment Process:

• Upon confirmation of your tour date and receipt of the deposit, I will notify Natalie Hart, Kent County Farm Bureau Administrator.

• Natalie will mail a $100 reimbursement check directly to your organization.

2025-2026 Agricultural Farm Tour Schedule:

• March 1 – 31: Maple Syrup Tour – Observe maple and walnut tree sap collection in action.

• April 1 – 30: Early Spring Tour – Discover what goes into preparing for the growing season.

• May 1 – 31: Seed Planting Tour – A hands-on experience planting flower and produce seeds.

• June 1 - Aug 31: Agricultural Tours – Explore everything growing at Parkside Farm.

All tours include:

• An educational presentation.

• Q&A session, photo opportunities.

• Guided walking tour around the farm.

• Meet-and-greet with our pygmy goats.

Additional Opportunities:

• If transportation is a concern, I also offer school visits that include author readings and JOY Visits with our pygmy goats through the Jump for JOY Program®.

Thank you for your time and commitment to educating the next generation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I look forward to welcoming your students to Parkside Farm!

Warm regards,

Nicole Zaagman

Owner & Operator, Parkside Farm

District 5 Board Member, Kent County Farm Bureau

Phone: 616-201-0220 | Email: info@nicolezaagman.com