Our Farmily is made up of our farm educators, the young people and adults who visit to learn here, community gardeners, animals, plants, fungi, and our board & committee members. We are grateful to work and play with such a diverse convergence of partners, friends and learners.
Barak Ben-Amots
Executive Director
I’m the Executive Director and one of the teachers at Flying Pig Farm. I’ve been around FPF since before we had the deer fence, and I feel so fortunate to have been witness to the incredible transformation and reawakening of the land into a community learning garden.
The students here call me Mr. Barak. The chickens call me Mr. BakbakbaRAAAAAK!
I love learning how to be part of this world. For me, that means learning the names and personalities of the plants and animals around me, so that whether I’m hiking, climbing, gardening, or just playing in the park, I can greet and be welcomed by all the diverse life of our ecosystem.
While working with the landscape is by far my biggest creative outlet, I also find time for many other art forms! I love to play music on the accordion, guitar, and most recently banjo, practice oil painting with my mother, write poetry and prose, and paint spontaneous murals whenever I get the chance!
Forrest Alvarez
Farm Coordinator
I got involved at the farm through Barak about seven years ago. We’ve been friends since childhood – we grew up playing guitar on each others porches. Last year I got more involved at Flying Pig and currently live across the street from the farm.
I feel like I’m coming in as a real greenhorn! I’m just trying to observe what is happening and get familiar with what’s happening—carry things around and make things easier for folks who are making things happen. I’m currently on the grounds committee.
I aspire to become a skilled yucca fiber craftsperson. I just recently learned how to make rope with the fibers and I’m looking forward to expanding my skill set, and would like to learn to make beads next.
(Mx.) Mel Williams
Operations Coordinator, she/they
I’m the Operations Coordinator for Flying Pig, the Natural Dyes Gardener, and one of our teachers. I got involved with the farm when I became the Natural Dyes Garden manager in 2020, and I continued to get more involved with the farm each season.
I love being out in the dye garden and in my backyard garden. I’m learning more about permaculture and water harvesting: it’s fun putting these things into practice. I also sculpt/design with fibers and found or recycled materials, plus I’m an avid clothing mender.
My favorite food? Chicken Paprikash! It’s a traditional recipe from my mom’s side of the family. It’s zesty, creamy, and nurturing; always hits the spot during the cold months.
Kathy Greene
Board Member
I have a long association and friendship with Barak. I’ve accompanied Colorado College education students to visit Flying Pig Farm and I have attended an FPF seed swap. As a board member, I am looking forward to learning about all our programs, participating in strategic planning around those programs, and volunteering in as many of them as possible.
Kathleen Greene is a Flying Pig Farm board member and a retired professor of Education from Beloit College and Colorado College.
Tyler Grace
Natural Landscaping, LLC
I first started coming to Flying Pig in 2019. At that time I was working with the Organa Gardens Cooperative and they had a plot there, which is how I first discovered it. I began installing Hugelkultur berms at the farm over the years and started to volunteer labor here and there. I now am a part of the grounds committee and have done everything I can to contribute to the community. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment and well-being knowing that I am helping out my friends and especially the kids that are so willing to learn about permaculture. I went to Manitou High School so I feel at home when I am at the farm.
Tyler is an irrigation professional who has overhauled Flying Pig’s watering system. Contact Natural Landscaping LLC, at (719) 663-3460 for help updating your property’s water
Our Board
| Monica Marchant, Board Chair | Community Gardener and psychologist with Zia Wellness based in Manitou Springs |
| Ruthie Markwardt, Board Secretary | Flying Pig Farm educator and farmer since 2014 |
| Kara Stutzman, Board Treasurer | Owner of Dancing Goose Therapeutics LLC and parent of two MSSD students who participate in Flying Pig Farm Programs |
| Doug Edmundson, Board Member | Owner of Keithley Pines LLC, Manitou Springs |
| Donna Dague, Board Member | Occupational Therapist, Colorado Springs |
| Kathy Greene, Board Member | Retired professor of Education from Beloit College and Colorado College |