Yes, you can apply to more than one program at the same time, but please note we cannot guarantee that we will have a space for you on all the programs of your choice.

In the unfortunate event that you are not able to attend after you have been accepted, you will need to apply again for the following year.

The Center is located in Catskill, NY, approximately 2h journey from midtown Manhattan. The easiest way to get to the Center is via Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to Hudson train station. Once you arrive, a team member will drive you to the Matthew Strother Center.

If you will be driving, we will ask that you park your car in the municipal lot in Catskill Village, as there is no on-site parking at the Center. We can pick you up from Catskill Village and take you to the Center. If you travel from outside the NY area, we suggest flying into one of NYC’s major airports and commuting to the farm via Amtrak, or flying into Albany Airport and taking a car to the Catskill village municipal parking lot, where our team will pick you up.

We will provide room and board (three meals a day) for 12 days and all learning activities free of charge. All participants are required to cover their travel to and from the Center. For reference, an Amtrak round trip ticket from Moynihan Train Hall in NYC to Hudson train station is approximately $60. Transportation between Hudson train station and the Center is provided by the Matthew Strother Center’s team. If you miss your train, or can’t be at the train station at the designated time, there are taxi companies in Hudson that can give you a ride from the station to the Center for a flat fee (approx. $40).

We strive to be as accessible and accommodating for all individuals as possible, and this work is our priority. There are some physical challenges to be aware of on the property for those with limited mobility, most notably uneven ground and difficult terrain for walking (gravel, hills, muddy terrains, etc). The accommodation where you will be staying is rented, and unfortunately it is not accessible by wheelchair, but we have made this a priority for our future programs.

The accommodation where you will be staying consists of a beautiful log cabin with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The cabin has underfloor heating, a fireplace, and a deck overlooking the forest. There is a lovely path along a creek to reach the facilities were the seminars and other gatherings will take place.

Two of the five participants will be sharing a room. Everyone will be sharing a bathroom with at least one other person. It will be your responsibility to keep the facilities clean, and we ask that you are respectful of others when using common spaces.

Our culinary ethos is rooted in the following practices:

Plant-forward and pantry-inspired. Lots of vegetables, as often as possible. Our emphasis is on hyper-local produce (from the Center), as well as sustainability, availability, and seasonality.

Very little to no waste. We continuously repurpose leftovers and often utilize stems and scraps in our meals before composting.

Practical, not performative. Meals at the Center will not revolve around trends or what looks good in a photo. We cook for sustenance, nutrient density, fun, and deliciousness.

We will have a chef preparing food every day, but participants will be responsible for cleaning up dishes and table after eating.

We take dietary restrictions and food allergies very seriously. While we do frequently serve meats, poultry, and eggs, we are very comfortable with vegetarian and vegan diets. We can also happily accommodate dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free diets. We may not be able to accommodate individuals with extremely sensitive nut allergies, celiac disease, or any similar instance in which cross-contamination cannot occur because of medical risk. Due to our limited facilities, we cannot offer fully kosher meals. If you would like to discuss your needs with the Center, please contact us.

Yes. Ticks are an unfortunate seasonal reality throughout much of the Northeast, and you will encounter them during your time on the Center. Ticks are unlikely to spread disease if they are caught within 36 hours of attaching themselves to you. To avoid risk, protect yourself daily with tick repellant when spending time outside for an extended period of time. Wear appropriate clothing that covers your arms and legs entirely when spending time in wooded areas or fields.

We also strongly recommend checking your body each night for any tick stowaways (we will go over this procedure during your introductory meeting). Tick repellant and illustrated info sheets will be provided upon arrival, and we will be available should you have questions or concerns during your stay.

Additionally, poison ivy can also be found on the farm. We encourage you to use caution when interacting with plants that look unfamiliar to you, especially along our walking trails or in less-landscaped areas onsite. If you suspect you have come into contact with poison ivy, please alert a team member right away and they will help you administer treatment.

We will operate on a common sense basis. That is, if you are not well, you cannot attend the program. This is because participants will be in close proximity to one another, and one sick person could turn the whole experience miserable for everyone else, as well as potentially endangering vulnerable others along the way.

If you are immunocompromised or are part of a vulnerable population, please consider you are entering a communal environment. You will be having all your meals with the other participants, sometimes indoors, so please think about how you will protect yourself. Participation in communal activities is a key part of the programs, so we are not able to accommodate separate dining arrangements.