Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting 120 students from Ferndale High School's Agriculture Science classes at Alluvial Farms. The visit took place over two days, with four groups of studevnts arriving to explore different aspects of farm life, sustainability, and small business ownership. This was a hands-on opportunity for the students to experience the day-to-day operations of a working farm, divided into small-group stations with practical activities.
We spent two days in the classroom of dedicated 25 year agriculture career and technical educator Tony Toretta as a pre-lab to get the students prepared for the field trip.
### Day 1 and Day 2: Morning and Afternoon Groups
The students arrived in two waves each day, with smaller groups in the morning and larger groups in the afternoon. Each visit started with an introduction by Blanca Castillo from ACE Whatcom, who helped frame the field trip and set the tone for a productive and educational visit.
The programming time was split into three stations, each designed to teach the students about a different part of running a farm. The groups rotated through these stations to ensure each student could experience every aspect of the farm's operations.
### Station 1: Riparian Restoration and Blackberry Removal with Adam Brayton
At this station, Adam Brayton from Whatcom Conservation District introduced students to the concept of riparian restoration and its importance as part of our farm's business plan. The students learned how we manage the land by removing invasive species, specifically blackberry bushes, and how this effort contributes to the health of our farm's ecosystem. Armed with gloves and tools, the students got to work, actively participating in a service project focused on clearing blackberry from key areas of the farm. This hands-on work was a highlight for many, as it directly tied into both environmental stewardship and farm management.
### Station 2: Farm Systems Scavenger Hunt with Blanca Castillo
In this interactive station, led by Blanca Castillo, students explored the farm through a scavenger hunt. The hunt focused on different farm systems, including water, power, waste disposal, equipment, animals, and plants. Before starting, Blanca guided the group through a discussion of farm systems with the farm map in front of them. With the clues provided, the students ventured around the farm, taking photos in front of each system as they discovered the answers. This activity encouraged critical thinking about the logistics behind running a farm and the interconnectedness of all its systems.
### Station 3: Farm Marketing and Small Business Ownership with Katie
At this station, students got a firsthand look at what it takes to market farm products. Katie set up a mock farmers market booth, and students took turns auditioning for a role as farmers market staff. Their task? To sell a particular cut of meat or a pet treat, using their best marketing skills. After each 'audition,' they received feedback from their peers and discussed the essential skills needed for small business ownership. The session also included a broader discussion about entrepreneurship, customer interaction, and the unique challenges of running a farm-based business.
### Reflecting on the Visit
We received lots of great feedback from Ferndale High School teacher Tony Toretta and will be collecting surveys from the students this week. One student was so inspired by the visit that she brought her parent to see us at the Bellingham Farmers Market, where they found our son Ramone, a first-year student at Nooksack Valley High School, practicing his cashiering skills at our booth.
We appreciate all your support and look forward to seeing you at the market this coming Saturday!