Nature Connections

The first signs of fall appeared this week on our new Chinese Pistachio tree. This aligned perfectly with our Kinder friends  and their science study of trees. We took a tree walk and learned about some of the trees near the farm. They examined each tree and shared their thoughts, and really loved hugging the trees!

Other student farmers put on their Botanist caps and studied many different things that are happening on the farm. Some sketched their garden plots and noted which plants were thriving, which ones weren't and made predictions about why that was happening. Third grade studied plant structure and function, by pulling a weed and then sketching and labeling the plant parts. Then some special insect friends visited and the kids documented them in their journals too. 

I have only seen about 5 praying mantis' in my lifetime and the kids happened upon this garden friend this week.  None of them had ever seen one before. We talked about the importance of observing and not disturbing, so they gathered around to sketch this cool creature.

The fall Monarch migration is happening right now and we see 50 or so each day. Our farm has just what they need: Mexican Milkweed, Lantana and water. They are beautiful! Stop by in the afternoon to watch them fly.

This year, all the teachers are coming to the farm during their planning time for lessons that will help them connect lessons to nature. Intermediate teachers had a great time in the coop!

It was a great week of discovery! 

Exploring With Senses - Garlic Planting - Supporting Local Agriculture

We had another wonderful week on the farm.  Our Kinder friends used all of their senses that they have been studying to connect to things growing on the farm. Ask them how lemon grass and mint tastes or how fresh basil smells. Ask them how cotton feels and what ladybugs and aphids look like. We are so thankful for farm learning and the curriculum connectors that take place everyday!

Teamwork goes hand in hand when planting garlic. Our farmers learned the difference between a garlic clove and a garlic bulb, then they predicted how many cloves were in a bulb, checked their predictions and planted them in their garden bed. They also learned a little bit about the history of garlic. It has been used as food and medicine for over 7,000 years and originated in China. Look for loads of garlic on the farm in May. #Yum 

Sixth grade students are learning about what it means to support local agriculture and living local. There have been some lively discussions and thoughtful insights that they brought to the table. Find out what they are learning about agriculture in the United States. It is interesting for sure!

We hope that you stop by to check out our fall crops. Our kids are very proud of the work that they are doing on the farm!  Ask them about it.