Orlando Farm Embraces Nature-Powered Solutions

4Roots Foundation teaches regenerative practices to build a sustainable future

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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On a 42-acre sustainable farm in Orlando, the 4Roots Foundation is putting nature to work. The farm teaches regenerative practices to families, health-care providers and children, using circular systems where water is captured and reused, waste becomes fertilizer, and solar panels generate all the energy needed for its buildings. The farm is home to the first certified "living building" in Florida, a structure that produces more energy than it uses, captures and filters all its own rainwater, and was built with mass timber to reduce its carbon footprint.

Why it matters

The 4Roots Farm demonstrates how nature-based solutions can create a more sustainable future. By working in harmony with natural systems, the farm reduces its environmental impact and serves as an educational model for the community on regenerative practices that can be applied to agriculture, buildings, and daily life.

The details

The 4Roots Farm uses a range of regenerative techniques, including capturing and reusing water, converting waste into fertilizer, and generating all energy needs through solar power. The farm has also partnered with organizations to plant 125 trees on the property. On-site businesses generate revenue to sustain the farm's operations, and it hosts a farmers market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

  • The 4Roots Farm was established in Orlando, Florida.
  • The farm's first certified "living building" was completed.
  • The farm partnered with VoLo Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 125 trees on the campus, with the final 10 trees planted on Tuesday.

The players

4Roots Foundation

A sustainable farm in Orlando, Florida that teaches regenerative practices and uses circular systems to reduce environmental impact.

Tommy Ward

The executive director of 4Roots Farm, who believes in working with nature rather than against it.

John Rivers

The founder and CEO of the 4Roots Foundation, who started the farm with his wife to create something sustainable that would have long-term impact.

Thais Lopez Vogel

The co-founder and trustee of the VoLo Foundation, which commissioned a mural on the farm to educate through art.

VoLo Foundation

A foundation that invests in education, usually through data and science, but also believes in educating through art.

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What they’re saying

“So if we look at the entire story from front to back, fast forward to the ending, we know Mother Nature is going to win, right? So why not work in concert with nature? So why not use what mother nature, what intelligently designed ecosystems are already trying to give us.”

— Tommy Ward, Executive Director, 4Roots Farm (statenews.net)

“We wanted to find one thing to make a difference, to not put our name on a building, but truly feed the community and teach them something that was sustainable that would have a long-term impact and food, the land, the soil, there's nothing more that sustains life.”

— John Rivers, Founder and CEO, 4Roots Foundation (statenews.net)

“VoLo Foundation invests in education, usually through data and science, but that only speaks to the mind. I love to educate through art because that speaks to the heart.”

— Thais Lopez Vogel, Co-founder and Trustee, VoLo Foundation (statenews.net)

What’s next

The farm plans to continue expanding its regenerative practices and educational programs to inspire more communities to adopt sustainable solutions.

The takeaway

The 4Roots Farm demonstrates how working in harmony with nature can create a more sustainable future. By embracing circular systems and renewable energy, the farm serves as a model for how communities can reduce their environmental impact and build a more resilient food system.