White Oak Farm’s School Garden program is a partnership begun in 2020 with three Applegate Valley schools: Williams Elementary, Ruch Outdoor Community School, and Applegate School. Lead by Education Coordinator Sarah Shea, farm educators work to maintain and improve each school’s garden, while providing weekly outdoor education to students in the garden, classroom and cafeteria. Our educators focus on hands-on work in the gardens, nutrition, local foods, life sciences, art, and creative writing, as well as cooperative games and lots of fun! Time outside in these living laboratories is a great opportunity for students to learn and grow in new ways, to breath fresh air and to stretch their minds and bodies.
The School Garden Program also includes:
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- classroom instruction and activities;
- tasting tables that introduce students to White Oak Farm fruits and vegetables such as pears, apples, melons, carrots, peas, and celery;
- take-home produce boxes for families that qualify for free and reduced lunch; and
- spring and fall field trips to the Farm.
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In 2022 we were able to expand our partnership to include Hidden Valley High School. We are honored to work in the Life Skills Class with an amazing group of high school students focused on building cooking, gardening, and landscaping skills, while getting dirty and having fun! Check out our blog for more information on this great new partnership!
Jamie Dolan-Tree at Hidden Valley High School working in the school garden.
