Hope Floats for Veterans

08/28/2026

🌱 Exciting News from Hope Floats for Veterans! 🇺🇸

Hope Floats for Veterans (HFV) has officially qualified for environmental verification through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) for its cropping system.

This achievement recognizes HFV’s commitment to responsible agricultural practices, environmental stewardship, and the protection of Michigan’s soil, water, and natural resources.

MAEAP verification is voluntary, rigorous, and earned by meeting established environmental standards. It reflects the hard work and dedication required to operate responsibly while building a more sustainable future.

HFV is also pursuing Forest Management certification, further demonstrating our commitment to responsible land stewardship, sustainable forestry, and protecting natural resources for future generations.

We are proud to celebrate this important milestone and look forward to continuing our environmental stewardship efforts.

Don Faxlanger
Chairman
Hope Floats for Veterans

07/28/2026

Big News from Freedom Farms 🌱
Freedom Farms Awarded USDA Conservation Partnership
We're proud to announce that Hope Floats for Veterans, Inc. — home of Freedom Farms, Series LLC — has been awarded a conservation cost-share contract through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Here's what that means in plain terms: the USDA is partnering with us to share the cost of caring for our land the right way. Across 60 acres of our Genesee County sanctuary — nestled in the Freeman Drain–Flat River watershed — this support helps us build healthier soil, cleaner water, and stronger wildlife habitat for years to come.
For us, this is so much more than a conservation contract. Every acre we restore is an acre where a veteran can find peace, purpose, and a real connection to the living land. Nature heals — and now we have a federal partner helping us grow that mission from the ground up. The contract runs through 2027, and we can't wait to show you what takes root.
A heartfelt thank-you to the NRCS team and our local field office for believing in this vision — and to every supporter, volunteer, and friend who has walked this journey with us. This is your win, too.
Want to be part of what's growing at Freedom Farms? Follow along, come volunteer, or support our veterans' sanctuary today. 💚
Hope Heals!

07/23/2026

Gina‘s won the championship. Mason hit a home run with one person on to help win it. They were a fun team to watch. They kept getting better and better as the season went on. They actually won nine games in a row so I thought it was kind of like the movie Moneyball!

07/13/2026

Todd Faulkner, a Navy Veteran, Joins the Hope Floats for Veterans Team
Hope Floats for Veterans, Inc. is pleased to announce that Todd Faulkner has joined our growing team through the operation of Run By Veterans Sawmill, d/b/a American Patriot Milling and Grumpy Vet Made, LLC. The series is established to produce lumber and value-added wood products while creating opportunities that support veterans and their families.
Under the proposed agreement, Mr. Faulkner has committed to making significant contributions to Hope Floats for Veterans' mission. The operation will voluntarily contribute 30% of its gross revenues to Hope Floats for Veterans, with 10% specifically allocated to a fund for repairs and improvements to sawmill equipment and facilities. This partnership creates a sustainable revenue stream that will help expand programs and services for veterans while supporting responsible stewardship of equipment and resources.
In addition, Run By Veterans Sawmill will participate in Hope Floats for Veterans fundraising efforts by producing products and providing services for special events and campaigns. Net proceeds from these fundraising activities will be shared equally between the sawmill operation and Hope Floats for Veterans, creating a true partnership focused on mission impact and community engagement.
Todd's commitment to veteran-centered entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and service aligns closely with the values of Hope Floats for Veterans. His experience and leadership will help strengthen our ability to develop innovative programs, create meaningful opportunities, and build sustainable resources that support veterans for years to come.
We welcome Todd Faulkner to the Hope Floats for Veterans family and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will create for veterans, their families, and the communities we serve.

06/08/2026

Yes!

Here it is folks! The new Banner being given away on Father's Day at Jenny B's. Come on in for details.

05/25/2026

We never forget your Heroes!

05/17/2026

A food forest is a garden designed to work like a forest. Seven layers of food production stacked vertically, mimicking natural ecosystems.

CANOPY - Large nut and fruit trees (walnut, pecan, chestnut). The ceiling of the system.

UNDERSTORY - Smaller fruit trees (apple, pear, plum). Thrive in dappled shade beneath the canopy.

SHRUB - Berry bushes (blueberry, currant, gooseberry). Fill the gaps between trees.

HERBACEOUS - Perennial herbs and vegetables (comfrey, sorrel, rhubarb). The medicine and salad layer.

GROUND COVER - Creeping plants (strawberry, clover, mint). Protect the soil and suppress weeds.

VINE - Climbers (grape, kiwi, hops). Use the trees as natural trellises.

ROOT - Underground crops (Jerusalem artichoke, groundnut, garlic). The hidden harvest.

Once established, a food forest requires no tilling, no fertilizer, no irrigation, and no replanting. It feeds itself. It builds soil. It gets more productive every year.

Forests have operated this way for 400 million years. We just finally stopped to notice.

05/15/2026

Freedom Farms' planting plan with dimensions. Any input would be appreciated. Freedom Farms hasn't planted in a high tunnel. Might be tight for the sweet potatoes? We do have wood chips for the walkways. Many plants will be donated. We can fill in as we go. We wanted a balance between perennials (to make life easier) and annual vegetables.

05/15/2026

This is our proposed layout for the high tunnel at Freedom Farms-Hope Floats for Veterans. We would love any input from our community of veterans that could make it better. We're trying to have a balance between long-term perennial production and short-term annual vegetable production.