growing future generations in agriculture · varieties, watershed knowledge and best agricultural...

Growing Future Generations in Agriculture Gretchen Rank, Executive Director

Erin Kuhlman, Assistant Director

• To promote long-term sustainable use and protection of the Mancos River Watershed. We provide educational, financial and technical assistance to meet these conservation goals.

• The Montezuma School to Farm Project unites our rural heritage with our growing future by engaging students at the crossroads of sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, health, and economics, experience in outdoor garden classes, on field trips, through youth farmers markets, and summer garden programming.

• Imagine a world where we all know the source of our food and value the farmers and ranchers that grow it for us. Where we are all familiar with innovative water and soil conservation methods that grow our crops and protect our natural resources. Drip systems, mulching, composting, drought tolerant plant and tree varieties, watershed knowledge and best agricultural practices become like knowing your last name - obvious and easily conveyed. And where every child, family, and community member has access to fresh, affordable, local food.

Nutrition Education is a form of early eco-

literacy

• When Children are taught to “read” and decipher the environments that provide their food, they gain a love of these places, both wild lands and farm lands. Eco-literate children understand that natural resources make our modern life possible.

Nutrition Education is a form of early eco-literacy

• Eating food is connected to our knowledge and appreciation for the source of our food; soil and biodiverse ecosystems are recognized as the foundation of our food systems.

Kids learn better outside!

• Accessible Living Laboratories

• Diet/Nutrition

• Active Lifestyle

• Conservation

• Poetry/Literature

• Science

• History

• Cooking

• Language

AmeriCorps and School Garden Coordinators• Placed in each school district

• Key ingredient to the programs' foundational success.

• Each coordinator:

• maintains and expand the school gardens

• track and implement planning schedules

• plan classes with teachers

• implements weekly lessons that utilize the Common Core Standards.

AmeriCorps VISTA

• AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members:

• Build capacity in organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources

• Encourage volunteer service at the local level

• Empower individuals and communities

• AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full time for a one-year term.

National Civilian Community Corps• AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential,

team-based program for young adults, ages 18-24

• Members develop leadership skills and strengthen communities by completing service projects and gaining life experience

• Teams, comprised of 8-10 members, complete multiple projects that address essential community needs throughout the United States.

• During the 10-month service term, members receive lodging, transportation, uniform and meals.

Southwest Conservation Corps

• Challenging service and educational opportunities through projects that promote personal growth, the development of social skills, and an ethic of natural resource stewardship

• Experiential learning, respect, openness and willingness, commitment, responsibility, pride, excellence, health, safety, and fun.

• SCC is a program of Conservation Legacy that was founded in 1998 to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s.

Mancos School Garden

• 2009-two raised beds and a circle of wooden benches comprised the full classroom

• 2016-collaborated with NCCC team Alpine 2 to install a high tunnel on the school grounds and further expand the garden’s production capacity

• New Construction opportunities underway

Dolores School Garden

• Established in 2011

• Hosts an indoor aquaponics system & pollinator themed garden spaces

• Dolores 3rd Grade teachers collaborate with MSTFP each fall to host student-run restaurants for parents and community members

Kemper Elementary School Garden

• Established in 2012 by 2 teachers

• Adobe oven and perennial crops

• 5 students – 2 trips to the White House

Cortez Middle School and Production Space

• Established in 2014

• Agricultural and Southwest Studies Teacher Position. Elective classes occur daily, providing students with regular and continued access to the garden

• Students tend to crops growing in a hoop house and in a diversity of bed styles; they care for a 50+ tree heritage orchard and 2 acres of production space

• 2018-Intalled a classroom pavilion

Mesa Elementary School Garden

• Established in 2016

• AmeriCorps NCCC worked alongside community volunteers and MSTFP staff to install benches and work surfaces, raised beds, washing stations, compost bins, a cold frame, shed, adobe oven, herb spiral, and more

Manaugh Elementary School Garden

• Established in 2017

• Wheelchair accessible raised beds, plus a grey water system and wicking bed, orchard and a native species garden

• Increased test scores

Funding Sources