Rooted in Purpose, Framed by Nature

What is an Agrihood?

An agrihood (short for agricultural neighborhood) is a residential community built around a working farm or community garden. Instead of a golf course or clubhouse as the central feature, the heart of an agrihood is agriculture, often organic farming.

Here’s what typically defines an agrihood:

• Shared farmland or gardens that supply residents with fresh produce.

• Emphasis on sustainability, local food, and community engagement.

• Often includes walking trails, community spaces, and educational programs.

• Designed to foster a closer relationship with the land and neighbors.

In the case of Live Oak Farm, it’s a pioneering agrihood in Sonoma County where residents live alongside working farmland and projects like the Ceres Community Project garden, blending rural charm with purpose-driven living.

The Ceres Community Project is a nonprofit organization based in Sebastopol, California, dedicated to providing nourishing, organic, and medically tailored meals to individuals facing serious health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. A cornerstone of their mission involves engaging youth and community volunteers in cultivating organic gardens and preparing meals, thereby fostering education, empowerment, and community connection.

In 2024, Ceres expanded its reach by partnering with Live Oak Farm in Petaluma to establish a new 1.5-acre organic garden at 2199 Live Oak Farm Lane. This collaboration brings Ceres’ community garden model to Petaluma for the first time, aligning with Live Oak Farm’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and community engagement. The garden serves as both a source of fresh produce for Ceres’ meal programs and a platform for youth development and volunteer involvement. 

Live Oak Farm itself is an innovative “agrihood”—a residential community integrated with a working farm—spanning 33 acres with approximately 10 acres dedicated to certified organic fruit and vegetable production. The farm emphasizes sustainable living, featuring modern farmhouses, orchards with over 1,000 fruit trees, and a community space under development. 

For residents and prospective homeowners, the presence of the Ceres garden at Live Oak Farm enhances the community’s appeal by offering opportunities for meaningful engagement in sustainable agriculture and community service. Volunteers can participate in various activities such as planting, composting, harvesting, and bouquet making, contributing to both personal fulfillment and the well-being of others. 

In summary, the partnership between the Ceres Community Project and Live Oak Farm exemplifies a shared vision of integrating sustainable agriculture, community involvement, and health-focused initiatives, enriching the lives of residents and the broader community alike. https://www.ceresproject.org

Just 5 minutes from downtown Petaluma, as you arrive at Live Oak Farm, you are greeted by our namesake – a century old, expansive Coast Live Oak – a standing testament to the rich history of the property. 

We are not the first to inhabit this land. We recognize the first people of the Coast Miwok and their mark on this area. Miwok villages settled at the base of Sonoma Mountain and the areas around Petaluma River, a place they called Péta Lúuma – “backside of the hill” or “sloping ridge.” 

About 100 years ago, this land became known as the Bundesen Ranch. It was cared for by four generations of Bundesens who, we like to think, sought shade underneath the magnificent oak tree. 

The Bundesens farmed chickens, egg laying hens to be precise. Eggs were one of the most dominant agricultural products contributing to West County’s economy. The egg incubator was invented in Petaluma, in 1879.  Much of Petalma's identity is tied to the poultry and dairy industries.  At one time, Petaluma was recognized as “The Egg Basket of the World;” some people even called it “Chickaluma.” 

Today, Petaluma is still lovingly referred to as the “Land of Eggs and Butter,” and every Spring the town still celebrates its heritage with a “Butter and Egg” parade.