Looking to get involved with the local food scene in Portland? Pay a visit to Zenger Farm. This place is an amazing resource for anyone looking to learn more about where their food comes from. Everyone I’ve ever taken to Zenger says pretty much the same thing upon arrival: “Wow! I had no idea all this was here!” It’s quite the mind bender to turn off gritty Foster Road and suddenly come upon the solar powered farm house, not to mention the row crops, the pastured hens (managed by volunteers…I helped, too!), the 10 acre wetland, and much more.

Located in the Lents neighborhood in southeast Portland, Zenger is a working urban farm that integrates education, food production, community development, and environmental sustainability practices. The City of Portland technically owns the 16 acre parcel and leases the land to Friends of Zenger Farm, a non-profit that coordinates the action.

And there’s action aplenty – get involved! There are a number of ways you can help out. If you’re just getting to know the farm, consider checking out their Friday afternoon offerings. Volunteer for some farm work (2-5pm, free, just show up) or take a farm tour (4-5pm, $5 suggested donation). There’s always amazing produce to be bought at Lents International Farmers Market, going down at SE 92nd and Foster 9am to 2pm every Sunday until October 25 2009 (coordinated by Zenger). You could arrange for your local elementary school to take a group tour of Zenger Farm, if they haven’t already. Kids get a lot out of these hands-on educational tours. Also, take a look at their adult workshops. Want to raise some chickens? Or make goat cheese or pickle some peppers? Do it yourself, already!

And have a farmy day.