Organic Farm
The Waverly Organic Farm exists to allow students, their families, their teachers and the broader community to engage nature on multiple levels. The scope of participation in the life of the Farm is broad, ranging from active cultivation and organic production to inventive play, hands-on learning and simple appreciation of nature. The Farm also creates opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to interact in ways that nurture cross-generational mentoring, leadership skills and social harmony. The intent is that the Farm be inspirational, experimental, educational and sustainable.
The Waverly Farm (at 679 South Pasadena Avenue; walking distance from school) is an outdoor classroom, not necessarily related to farming. Teachers take their classes to the Farm to do writing, observations of wild life and to conduct science experiments. A plot for each classroom is available if desired by the teacher. The Farm allows for curriculum related projects, such as:
- Math-calculate crop yields, make planting charts and graphs.
- Science-garden ecology and plant biology; the effect of climate on crop cultivation and human survival.
- Language Arts-write comparative essays on colonial life and students’ own lives in regard to food production and consumption; creative writing related to observations in nature.
- Nutrition and Health-compare a colonial diet with today’s diet.
- Creative Arts-create artwork based on natural observations, design and build farm implements, create harvest songs and recreate harvest festivals.
- Physical Education-engage in activities like capture the flag, run around the track and swinging from the tire swing.
In the existing brown space children and their adult companions can run, climb, dig, poke, closely observe and actively explore a variety of existing environments. They can dream up different imaginative games in this space. The essence of the space is that it is complex, protected, unformed and natural which is valuable in and of itself, and raises multiple possibilities, each worthy of pursuit.
The Farm continues to develop, grow and nurture the community, as well as provide new and expansive uses from year to year.
Rent a Plot: Grow a Garden
Download the farm rental agreement to rent a plot at the farm to raise vegetables, flowers, or herbs for a nominal fee. Questions? E-mail Donna at donnafurey@gmail.com.