Climate Action Days are a fun, creative learning opportunity for students. Each day is based on a theme, “Waste, Energy, Health/Wellness Green Space, Water” and showcases sustainability practices. Our current offering is “Water”. Participants will investigate the various water systems on our farm and discover that different irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, rain barrels, and surface irrigation, each have their advantages and specific applications. In addition to these systems, participants will visit our Hydroponics lab and learn about this alternative to traditional soil farming.

Have you ever thought about what is in soil? In this lesson students will learn about soil composition, composting, and the role of decomposers in soil health. Through hands-on investigations and observations of our soil samples, students will compare types of soil, gather evidence used to describe the characteristics of healthy soil, and discover that not all soil is alike. Students will perform a soil composition analysis and find what nutrients our soil samples may be lacking and add organic amendments to improve the health of the soil. Using their new found knowledge of soil, participants will create soil blends and plant seeds to bring back to their classroom.

Students will observe the various shapes, colors and textures found on the farm and experiment with visual arts techniques using organic materials. Participants will engage in collecting and categorizing items from the farm and create works of art inspired by the colors and/or textures of the season. Projects include creating observational drawings, seed and soil mosaics, pressed prints, and exploring natural dyes. This lesson will be customized to meet the specific needs of each group.

Experience life on the Farm through hands-on tasks like harvesting, mulching, planting, pruning, seed saving, watering, and weeding. Working with our Farmers, participants will gain insights into the entire lifecycle of plants, from germination to maturity. They will learn about the specific conditions and care needed at each stage, fostering an appreciation for the patience and dedication involved in gardening and agriculture. This lesson will be customized to meet the specific needs and interests of each group and includes a culminating seed planting activity.

Native Americans from different parts of North America use a wide range of agricultural techniques. Perhaps the best known is the inter-planting of corn, beans and squash – a trio often referred to as the “Three Sisters.” In this lesson students will explore the tale of the "Three Sisters", visit our Field of the "Three Sisters", and discover first-hand how crops can benefit one another, while providing us with a well balanced, nutritious harvest. Participants will explore our Corn, Beans and Squash crops, gaining a better understanding of the plant cycle, plant parts, and the cycling of nutrients while engaging in hands-on planting, pruning, harvesting, cooking or seed saving activities. This lesson will be customized, dependent on the season and specific needs of each group.

When you make a salad, do you ever think about the plant parts that you are eating? In this lesson students will harvest fruits, herbs, and/or vegetables from the farm and greenhouse to make delicious, nutritious seasonal multicultural recipes. Participants will learn about the structure and function of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds as they use the various plant parts to create a dish that celebrates the variety of edible plant parts found on the farm. Participants will also engage in a hands-on activity involving edible plant seeds to bring back to their classroom.

Students will explore the biodiversity of the farm (independently or guided), looking for insects, plants, and animals. Students will learn how various factors such as pollination, seed dispersal, and companion planting add to the health of an ecosystem. We will also explore how living and non-living things are interconnected and depend on each other for survival. Participants will have time to explore the farm on their own and discover aspects of the farm that sparks their own interest. This lesson will be customized to meet the specific needs of each group and includes a culminating seed planting activity.

In this lesson, participants will engage in an exploration of herbs and create their own herb bundles. We will explore the farm and greenhouse to learn about what herbs are growing, how to identify them, and discuss their flavors, scents, and healing purposes. Students will learn how and when to harvest herbs growing on the farm as well as how to store herbs to dry and preserve them. Participants will create an herb field guide as well as herb bundles inspired by seasonal offerings.

In this lesson, participants will learn about the life cycle of plants in a hydroponic system and investigate the importance of nutrients for plant growth at various stages of development. Participants will discover how plants grow without soil by seed starting/transplanting/harvesting and observing plants in a hydroponic system. Lessons are grade appropriate (K-8) and will take place in the greenhouse. This lesson will be customized to meet the specific needs and interests of each group.

Through observation and hands-on activities, students will learn about plants and seeds. Lessons are grade appropriate (K-8) and may include activities relating to the different parts of a plant, the plant life cycle, the process of photosynthesis, the vital role plants play in the environment by producing oxygen, different types of plants, their adaptations to various habitats, and the importance of plants to humans as a source of food, medicine and materials. Activities will take place in the farm and greenhouse. This lesson will be customized to meet the specific needs and interests of each group.

Students will engage in a medley of sensory activities as an introduction to the farm, including making a sound map, completing a textures/colors/shapes/sizes scavenger hunt, exploring the sensory garden, tasting garden fruits and vegetables, and creating collections of objects based on their attributes using items found on the farm. Participants will create a work of art inspired by the 5 senses using seasonal items.

We know that all living things are made up of cells and our cells carry our DNA. What is DNA? Have you ever wondered what DNA looks like?
In this lesson, participants will harvest strawberries and engage in a DNA extraction lab allowing them to see DNA strands with the naked eye.
After visiting the strawberry field, or hydroponics lab, participants will use our lab materials to break apart the cell membrane of a strawberry and separate the DNA from the nucleus.

Have you ever wondered what DNA looks like? In this lesson, participants will harvest strawberries and DESIGN a DNA extraction lab allowing them to see DNA strands with the naked eye. After visiting the strawberry field, or hydroponics lab, participants will be challenged to design, test, and redesign (if needed) a protocol for extracting DNA from their strawberries. They will communicate, collaborate, and evaluate each other’s protocols, and determine the best protocol to use for extracting DNA.

Students will practice self care as they learn about plant parts with a focus on leaves and petals used to make tea. Participants will work together to locate, identify, compare/contrast, and harvest specific leaves and flower petals from the herb and pollinator gardens to make tea. While it is steeping, participants will learn about the importance of pollinators, and explore the biodiversity of our Pollinator Garden. Younger students will prepare for the tea party by gathering flowers for bouquets, making centerpieces out of found objects, and thoughtfully setting the table for their classmates. Older participants will discuss the medicinal properties of tea leaves and will have the opportunity to create their own tea leaf bundles.

Through guided, age appropriate exploration of our compost and worm bins, your students will discover and understand nature’s system for recycling nutrients. Students will learn about the roles decomposers play in processing organic matter and get hands-on experience with what happens to all of the organic “litter” in the natural world. They will have the opportunity to see worms first-hand: gaining hands-on experience in composting techniques and the ecological benefits of both compost and worms. In addition to the hands-on exploration, younger participants will engage in a read-aloud or drawing activity while older participants will have the option to design and build their own worm-compost bin for their classroom.

Can't find what you are looking for? Need a time slot? Select this option and we can work with you to create a program that is right for your group.

Bring a little bit of The Carol Pino Learning Farm home with you after a visit to the Plant Giveaway!
ALL of our seedlings have been grown right here on the farm.
We will have an assortment of edible plants as well as flowers including herbs, mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, sunflowers, marigolds and more!
Come visit the farm and pot up your own collection of plants from our variety of seedlings.
Potting containers and soil will be provided.
(quantities are limited)
We look forward to seeing you at the Plant Giveaway!

Tu BiShvat is a Jewish holiday that marks the New Year of the trees and the beginning of the agricultural cycle. It involves eating fruits and nuts, reciting blessings, and planting trees in Israel. Register now to join us the week of February 11th for our annual HERB & SEED distribution. Bring your own container to take your own blend of herbs or seed home from our garden.