by Caroline Taylor
Joyful. That sums up how students, educators, parents, Ag Services staff and MCA feel about participating in our expanding and collaborative educational outreach program. Getting kids out of the classroom and on farms and natural resources has sparked their intellectual growth and curiosity.
Students from County High schools are learning about agriculture, environmental protection, land use planning, regional economics and more through on farm and in wild visits and in classroom discussions with farmers, ag professionals and advocates. Special shout out to Gene Kingsbury who chairs our Education Committee and moved this program forward and shares the story of his multi-generational family farm/orchard, Greg Glenn Jr. of Rockland's Farm who gives freely of his time and knowledge both in class and on farm, Cathy Wiss and her mastery of all things stream related, Doug Tregoning and Jeremy Criss who have helped expand the program and enthusiastically share their time and knowledge.
Moreover, thanks to joint efforts of Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Ag Services, MC Farm Bureau, Montgomery County Council, MC Board of Education and MCA, our elementary school kids can explore the world of farming and healthy food right at their schools in the nifty Mobile Ag Science Lab. The lab started its travels in the fall of 2015 and has already visited 20 schools! Tip of the hat to Tom Hartsock, MC Farm Bureau and MCA, who planted the seed and nurtured it along to make this opportunity a reality for MC's kids. Also big thanks to Councilmember George Leventhal and his staff for seeing that connections were made and funding garnered for the Lab.
Reap what you Sow...
Students who have participated in the program are using their new found knowledge in various ways. Some are seeking summer on farm internships, work with food aid organizations, advanced degrees in agriculture, others are creating projects such as The Call of the Land, an important short documentary by Poolesville HS seniors Allie Goldman and Danielle Roche. MCA was very pleased to mentor the project.
Moreover, thanks to joint efforts of Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Ag Services, MC Farm Bureau, Montgomery County Council, MC Board of Education and MCA, our elementary school kids can explore the world of farming and healthy food right at their schools in the nifty Mobile Ag Science Lab. The lab started its travels in the fall of 2015 and has already visited 20 schools! Tip of the hat to Tom Hartsock, MC Farm Bureau and MCA, who planted the seed and nurtured it along to make this opportunity a reality for MC's kids. Also big thanks to Councilmember George Leventhal and his staff for seeing that connections were made and funding garnered for the Lab.
Reap what you Sow...
Students who have participated in the program are using their new found knowledge in various ways. Some are seeking summer on farm internships, work with food aid organizations, advanced degrees in agriculture, others are creating projects such as The Call of the Land, an important short documentary by Poolesville HS seniors Allie Goldman and Danielle Roche. MCA was very pleased to mentor the project.
