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Connecting with Local Agriculture

Field Trip to Sweetwater Farm: Connecting with Local Agriculture
October 22, 2024

Amanda Pitts

South Whidbey ALE (Alternative Learning Experience) Volunteer Coordinator apitts@sw.wednet.edu

Description: This hands-on experience allowed ALE (Alternative Learning Experience) 3rd-5th grade students to deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture and the interconnected roles of soil, plants, animals, and humans on a no-till farm. Sweetwater Farm, an agroforestry farm dedicated to biodiversity and climate-forward farming practices, provided an ideal environment for exploring key topics related to local farming. Students learned the importance of soil health, particularly the role roots play in supporting ecosystems, and why no-till farming practices help preserve these systems.

During the field trip, students were introduced to the various animals on the farm, how they contribute to soil enrichment, and how humans can work alongside nature to enhance biodiversity. This visit aligned with the classroom focus on soil health and agriculture's role in climate change mitigation, giving students practical examples of how these principles are put into practice.

Lesson Plan: Connecting to Local Farms

Objective: Students will understand the importance of sustainable farming practices, including no-till farming and agroforestry, and recognize the role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They will also reflect on their field trip to Sweetwater Farm and draw connections between local agricultural practices and global climate goals.

Materials Needed:

  • Journals or writing paper and pencils

Lesson Outline:

1. Opening Circle (20 minutes)

  • Begin with a class discussion: Why are local farms so important, what do you think the roles of different animals, plants and humans are on the farm?
  • Discuss plan for the day

2. Deeper Dive into No-Till Farming (15 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of no-till farming in more detail:
    • What is it, and how does it benefit the soil and environment?
    • Discuss why maintaining the structure of soil through no-till practices helps prevent erosion and supports root systems.
  • Show diagrams or images of soil profiles comparing tilled vs. no-till systems, highlighting root growth and microbial life.

3. Agroforestry and Biodiversity (15 minutes)

  • Discuss how agroforestry is practiced at Sweetwater Farm.
    • Define agroforestry and explain how combining trees, shrubs, and crops enhances biodiversity and supports farm sustainability.
  • Use examples from the farm tour to show how different plants and animals contribute to the farm's ecosystem.

 

 

4. Tour the farm (1 hour)

  • See the farm in action!
  • Walk the farm, meet the animals, humans, and plants and learn about the role each play

5. Sit spot journalling (20 minutes)

  • Find spots around the farm, encourage students to draw their favorite thing they discovered. ( we did this in a field of sheep, highly suggest this 😀)

6. Group Activity: "Design Your Own Farm" (30 minutes)

  • Break students into small groups and ask them to design their own farm using the principles they’ve learned:
    • What animals, plants, and trees would they include?
    • How would they manage the soil? Would they use no-till methods?
    • How would their farm contribute to biodiversity and climate-friendly practices?
  • Have each group present their farm design to the class.

7. Closing Reflection and Discussion (20 minutes)

  • Bring the class back together to discuss how what they’ve learned at Sweetwater Farm can be applied in other areas of their lives.
    • How can they support local farms in their community?
    • Why is it important to understand where food comes from and how it is grown?