The Little Dudes Ranch Project is a non-profit organization centered around children and the belief that a farm experience cultivates responsibility, discipline and leadership in their lives. With such projects as a garden, ranch chores and animal activities, we build responsible citizens for the next generation and show them the value of a job well done. Little Dudes also preserves the values of farm life including respect for the environment and a love for the animals they will be caring for. We pass on farm values and knowledge as urban sprawl encroaches upon our area. Without these, many aspects of rural life will vanish.

The Little Dudes Ranch Project began as an idea in the minds of its board members: Jim Phillips, Julie Dunn, Carlos & Maria Floresguerra & Ann Disque. They wanted to make a difference in the lives of area children and began working with Coalition for Kids. The children got a taste for farm life once a week as they worked with horses, sheep and goats. As that program grew and children’s faces lit up, the board members decided to take it a step further and give more children the opportunity to enjoy farm life. Some of the Little Dudes programs include organic composting, gardens, animal care & cooking the foods grown by the children. Countering children’s computer, video games and television addiction with an alternate, more natural environment offers them a chance to return to the joys of a traditional childhood.

The Little Dudes Ranch Project board of directors boasts a wide variety of credentials that assists them in working with the children, animals and farm environment. Their active participation in the Little Dudes program serves as a positive role model for the children to emulate. Jim Phillips is a horseman, horticulturalist with a degree from Virginia Tech and the owner of Hat Creek Farms in Johnson City, Tennessee. Julie Dunn is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Trauma Services at Johnson City Medical Center. Carlos Floresguerra is a Surgeon, Professor of Surgery at ETSU and was a member of the Ecuadorian Equestrian Team. Maria Floresguerra has a Masters Degree in Environmental Health and is an instructor of Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology at Northeast Technical Community College. Ann Disque has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and is currently instructing in the Department of Human Development and Learning at ETSU and Tracy Anders is an office manager in Johnson City with a Degree in Business from Sam Houston State and is currently our Executive Director. All of the board members have a passion for working with children and showing them the joys of farm life, animals and the environment.