Our Goal At Mezzacello Urban Farm

Sustainability, Applied STEM, Artistry, and Workforce Development

Welcome to our goal at Mezzacello Urban Farm. If you are not familiar with Mezzacello this is a good place to start. In the gallery above and the images below you can learn a lot more about us.

We focus on creating fun, technology and culturally-rich sustainable food oases in urban environments. Mezzacello, located in downtown Columbus, Ohio is the flagship site of our potential mission. We believe that with the right care, attention, and community input there should be more.

Be A Part Of Our Mission

Our Mission: Grow, Maintain, Sustain, Explain, and Entertain around sustainability.

Our Vision: Create frictionless opportunities for people to explore relationships between ecologies, farming, robotics, automation, and applied STEM in a densely populated urban environment.

Mezzacello is a Non-Profit!

Mezzacello Urban Farm is a ag career and applied STEM learning lab dedicated to building a sustainable future for all of us. As a non-profit 501(c)3 we are depending on you to help us realize that mission. We’ve made a good start, but now we need to amplify that mission.

All donations are Tax Exempt and we promise to be good stewards of your trust.

We need you – all of you – to understand exactly what Mezzacello wants to do with our community. It is going to be an exciting journey! But it needs to start with us – all of us – supporting each other.

2022/2023 Internships

Welcome to the 2022/2023 Internships page at Mezzacello. Please review the three internship options available and use the application form to submit a request or ask a question.

Mezzacello Urban Farm is opening the livestock management, energy production, and engineering and automation sections to three interns this winter/spring season. Intern applications will remain open through 11/25/2022. Be sure to include a cover letter and what your pathway area of interest is in the application.

The Origins of the Name Mezzacello

Like most good stories, the origin of the name “Mezzacello” begins with both a misunderstanding and some snark. First we’ll clarify the misunderstanding. Then we’ll get to the snark.

Monticello 2.0!? Ha! We can barely afford Mezzacello!

Richard Riley

Cross Purposes

Since the beginning of our relationship together, Rick and I knew we wanted both a garden and a house. What we didn’t know was how far apart our definition of ”garden” was. Garden is a pretty vague English word.

For Rick, garden meant a space of beauty and elegance and a peaceful calm quiet place. For Jim (myself) garden meant a dynamic system for growing food and manufacturing life. We had been living in apartments until then.

We had never really talked about what the garden would be, just said it would be outside and part of the house. Big ideas and dreams were on hand. Rick’s were in his head. I had all mine laid out in CAD.

Buying the House

When we found the house in Olde Towne East it was quite the happy accident. It had been long ignored with it’s vacant and overgrown south-facing lots, we were very excited. “This could make a great garden” we’d both said.

The Devil Is In The Details

We set about clearing the lot and identifying areas where we wanted things to go. And that’s where everything went south. Our vision for what this could be was wildly different.

Rick was planning long flower and boxwood beds with graceful walks meandering everywhere. I pushed back and asked where were the animals going to go or the robots and the gardens for food and labs for experiments? It was clear we were talking about two different things.

Enter Monticello

The ironic thing is we both referenced Monticello in our defense. Rick wanted a charming Gentleman’s formal city garden. I wanted what I called ”Monticello 2.0” with technology, recycling, biochemistry, and renewable resources and energy.

I clearly remember Rick staring blankly at me and taking a deep sigh. Note: this is where the Snark comes in. Rick looked at me wearily on that fall day in the middle of this vacant yard – still smoldering from where I had used a flamethrower to destroy weeds – and sighed.

“Monticello 2.0!? Ha! We can barely afford Mezzacello!” And instantly I fell in love with that name. He was absolutely right, of course, we could not afford it.

But in my mind we could not afford to even try! We agreed that day that Mezzacello would be about both stories. They would have to compliment and compromise.

That has been the guiding principle ever since. If it is here, it had to benefit all truths of the ”gardens”. And to make sure that happened we split the garden in two.

That is a story for another time.

Summer Camp: Quantum Effects Afternoon

In this half day morningSummer Camp: Quantum Effects Afternoon we explore how the rules of the of a farm, the quantum world, living organisms, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Summer Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and devices at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of simple machies and invention on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Summer Camp Costs and Structures

June 24 – 28, 2024 1:00 – 4:00 Presentation at 3:30

COST: $120 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $150 but Quantum Effects is $120 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run June 24 – 28, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 3:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Summer Camp: Quantum Effects

In this half day morning Summer Camp: Quantum Effects we explore how the rules of the of a farm, the quantum world, living organisms, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Summer Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and devices at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of simple machies and invention on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Summer Camp Costs and Structures

June 24 – 28, 2024 9:00 – 12:00 Presentation at 11:30

COST: $120 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $150 but Quantum Effects is $120 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run June 24 – 28, 2024 from 9:00 – 12:00. Lunch is not provided. From 12:00 – 1:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Summer Camp: BioMechanics

In this Summer Camp: Biomechanics we explore how the rules of the of a farm, simple machines, living organisms, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Summer Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and devices at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of simple machies and invention on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Summer Camp Costs and Structures

August 5 – 9, 2024 9:00 – 12:00 Presentation at 11:30

COST: $150 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $150 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run August 5 – 9, 2024 from 9:00 – 12:00. Lunch is not provided. From 11:00 – 11:30 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Spring Camp: BioMechanics

In this Spring Camp: Biomechanics we explore how the rules of the of a farm, simple machines, living organisms, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Spring Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and devices at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of simple machies and invention on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Spring Camp Costs and Structures

June 24 – 28, 2024 9:00 – 12:00 Presentation at 11:30

COST: $150 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $150 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run June 24 – 28, 2024 from 9:00 – 12:00. Lunch is not provided. From 12:00 – 1:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Spring Camp: BioEngineering

In this Spring Camp: Bioengineering we explore how the rules of the of a farm, a science lab, and the work, skills, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Spring Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and pens at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of structures and simple machies on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Spring Camp Costs and Structures

May 27 – 31, 2024 9:00 – 4:00 Presentation at 3:30

COST: $250 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $250 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run May 27 -31, 2024 from 9:00 – 4:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Summer Camp: BioEngineering

In this Summer Camp: Bioengineering we explore how the rules of the of a farm, a science lab, and the work, skills, STEM, and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating, growing, maintaining, and explaining an urban farm. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Summer Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and pens at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of structures and simple machies on a farm
• We will be exploring some of the various types of structures and tools needed
• We’ll be using design challenges to better allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Spring Camp Costs and Structures

July 29 – August 1, 2024 9:00 – 4:00 Presentation at 3:30

COST: $250 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $250 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run July 29 – August 1, 2024 from 9:00 – 4:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Summer Camp: BioTech in Action

In this Summer Camp: BioTech in Action we explore how the rules of the of a farm, a science lab, and the work and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating food, caring for animals, and systems. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Summer Camp Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and pens at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of pathology, sanitation, and proper care of animals
• We will be exploring some of the quirks of ducks, chickens, quail, rabbits, fish, and crickets
• We’ll be caring observing and highlighting the way cells and proper care allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Summer Camp Costs and Structures

July 22 – 25, 2024 9:00 – 4:00 Presentation at 3:30

COST: $250 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $250 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run July 22 – 26, 2024 from 9:00 – 4:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Spring Camp: BioTech in Action

In this Spring Camp: BioTech in Action we explore how the rules of the of a farm, a science lab, and the work and systems required through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM week-long camp that seeks to introduce kids to the science and effort involved in creating food, caring for animals, and systems. Boots and jeans are REQUIRED as this is a camp dealing with birds and rabbits. Shoes and hands must be easy to sterilize and clean.

Workshop Benefits

• A basic introduction to the animals, and pens at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the role of pathology, sanitation, and proper care of animals
• We will be exploring some of the quirks of ducks, chickens, quail, rabbits, fish, and crickets
• We’ll be caring observing and highlighting the way cells and proper care allow farmers to care for ourselves and animals
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Spring Camp Costs and Structures

May 20 – 24, 2024 9:00 – 4:00 Presentation at 3:30

COST: $250 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 15

All of Mezzacello’s camps are $250 and have a max capacity of 15 students. Each camp offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run May 20 – 24 2024 from 9:00 – 4:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend spring camp fills up!

Workshop: Quantum Effects In Nature

In this Workshop: Quantum Effects In Nature we explore how the rules of the VERY small have direct implications on life, systems, organisms and ecosystems at Mezzacello Urban Farm. We’ll take a journey from the ecosystem down down down down to photons and electrons and then to energy to see its the impact on creating a sustainable and safe community through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

This is an applied STEM camp that seeks to introduce Quantum Reality only. It is NOT Math intensive, just an exercise in understanding WHY quantum effects are becoming more and more useful in our modern world.

Workshop Benefits

• A basic introduction BASIC quantum theory at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will explore the levels Nature employs from a Newtonian macro world with gravity all the way down to pure energy
• We will be exploring some of the quirks of origami and protein folding
• We’ll be caring observing and highlighting the way cells become machines in the quantum world
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Workshop Costs and Structures

Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:00 – 2:00 Presentation at 2:00

COST: $90 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 10

All of Mezzacello’s Workshops are $90 and have a max capacity of 10 students. Each workshop offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9:00 – 2:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend workshop fills up!

Workshop: Physical Electricity

In this Workshop: Physical Electricity we explore How we use BASIC electrical expertise to create solar panel, wind turbine, pump, and battery arrays here at Mezzacello Urban Farm. No voltages over 12 V and Amps constrained to 6A to assess the impact this has on creating a sustainable and safe community through the lens of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we understand what the goals are, we can start looking at ecosystems and engineered systems with a better outlook.

Workshop Benefits

• A basic introduction BASIC electrical components in use at Mezzacello Urban Farm
• Learning applied STEM cues and patterns will help any person better understand how we are sustainable
• We will rebuild a simple game and a simple solar panel and wind turbine
• We will be exploring some of the quirks of AC and DC voltage on an urban farm
• We’ll be caring observing and highlighting the advanced energy systems here
• Waterproof boots and jeans are a MUST
• Encourage trust and communication, respect and belonging in your community
• Encourage kids to see their value together as problem solvers!
• This workshop is optimized for grades 5 – 9

Workshop Costs and Structures

Sunday, June 2, 2024 9:00 – 2:00 Presentation at 2:00

COST: $90 for a seat and this includes supplies and a video presentation

MAX Class size: 10

All of Mezzacello’s Workshops are $90 and have a max capacity of 10 students. Each workshop offers students to work together in teams and with Mezzacello staff to learn applied STEM and natural systems, or work in two teams! Teams in this context is very popular.

This camp will run Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 9:00 – 2:00. Lunch is not provided. From 1:00 – 2:00 each team will come together to teach each other what they know. This can be filmed or not. But sharing new knowledge is central to Mezzacello Urban Farm’s mission of Grow, Maintain, Sustain, and Explain.

Do you think you and your kid are up for the challenge? Sign up today before this weekend workshop fills up!