Our story
A patchwork of lots, woven into a neighborhood
Big Muddy Urban Farm grew out of a simple idea: that vacant city lots could become a place to learn, gather, and grow good food together. Today the farm spans several lots across the Gifford Park neighborhood of Omaha — a patchwork of garden plots and chicken coops, all within walking distance of one another.
Meet the team
Aaron French
Executive Director
Aaron brings nearly 15 years of leadership in urban agriculture, food systems, and community food security. With a background in both urban and rural settings, he has a passion for bringing large-scale production practices to smaller, urban environments. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska–Omaha with a concentration in nonprofit management, and previously led Urban Farm Initiatives at City Sprouts for eight years.
aaron@bigmuddyurbanfarm.orgOur board
The neighbors steering the farm
- Dennis Magnuson President
- Dan Lindsay Treasurer
- Jeff Cassler Secretary
- Angelyn Wang Board Member
- Chip Nelsen Board Member
- Courtney Wilder Board Member
Questions for the board? Write to board@bigmuddyurbanfarm.org.
How we got here
Our roots, year by year
- ~2014 Draft
Big Muddy Urban Farm takes root in Gifford Park; early CSA and community growing begins.
- 2017
First Aspiring Farmer Residency cohort moves in.
- 2023
Seventh and final residency cohort completes the program.
- 2025
Educating Tomorrow's Urban Farmers launches as the farm's flagship education program.
- 2026
Aaron French joins as Executive Director.
What we stand on
Our values
- Interdependence
- Transparency & Accountability
- Education as Empowerment
- Equity in the Harvest
- Community Resilience
By the numbers
Farm facts Help us fill these in
These are placeholders the team will confirm before launch.
- Draft Add a memorable stat — e.g. pounds of produce grown or shared each season.
- Draft Add a number — neighbors served at Tuesday food distribution each week.
- Draft Add a fun detail — how many laying hens live across the three coops?
Want to be part of the story?
Our next chapter is written by neighbors like you. Come grow it with us.