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Hi Farm-Based Educators,
We're approaching the longest days of the year here in Vermont. At Shelburne Farms, FBEN's coordinating organization, hay is already coming into the barn, summer camps are almost fully enrolled, and seasonal farmyard educators are busy connecting visitors with the wonders of food, fiber, and animals. FBEN is entering a quiet phase of the year, when we know your attention is turned to the important work at your sites. But we have a few exciting programs simmering away for fall, which we'll announce soon. Stay tuned, and of course reach out if you have ideas of programs you'd like to see through this Network.
See you soon,
Vera Simon-Nobes
FBEN Coordinator
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Favorite Livestock Activity Share-Out
Date TBD (help us choose!): A member wrote recently with a question about balancing education with livestock production, and what animal-focused activities people are doing that take into consideration the animal’s wellbeing, the educator's, and the visitor’s perspectives. We’re looking for members to share their favorite livestock activities in a one-hour Zoom session (with each share-out being 5ish minutes). Help choose a date and sign up to share on this Google Form. Thanks! (Photo: New Village Farm)
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BIPOC Listening Session
May 24, 3–4 p.m. EST (Online): The Farm-Based Education Network invites YOU as BIPOC/people of the global majority to share your thoughts about future programming offered through FBEN. This listening process is developed in partnership with Richael Faithful (they/them), a folk healing artist, who has hosted spaces with FBEN since 2019. RLearn more and register.
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Farm-Based Education Immersion at Wolfe's Neck Farm, Freeport, ME
Save the Date September 13-14, 2023 (In-person):
On the coast of Maine, Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and Environment is a working farm that connects farmers, eaters, and learners to land and animals. Join Wolfe’s Neck educators and a group of peers for an in-depth look at Wolfe’s Neck middle school program - from cow digestion and methane reduction to carbon sequestration in pastures, to composting, farm history, and their coastal ecosystems. On Day Two of the Immersion, you’re invited to take off into the Maine countryside for farm tours. Visit neighboring farms before returning to Wolfe’s Neck for a celebratory farm to table dinner on Thursday evening. More info and registration coming soon!
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More Learning Opportunities | | |
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WORKSHOP
KidsGardening Community Chat: Summer Garden Programming
Tuesday, May 23rd 3:00-4:00pm ET (online): Join this Community Chat to ask your questions and share ideas about all things related to summer garden programming in any youth garden setting! Chat about ideas for running a summer camp, programming for multiple age groups, tips for abundant harvests, dealing with weather challenges, and anything else you'd like to discuss. This Chat will be geared toward actively gardening with kids over the summer. From those new to gardening to seasoned educators, everyone is welcome! Let them know!
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CONFERENCE
Inside-Out International Conference & Leadership Series
June 12–15 (In Person, Estes Park, CO): The Inside-Out International Conference and year-round Leadership Series events bring children and nature leaders together for networking, workshops, special events, and a world-class conference. More information and registration.
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CONFERENCE
National Ag in the Classroom Conference
June 26-29 (In-person, Orlando, FL): The 2023 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference "Beyond the Beaches" is the premier professional development event for Pre-K through 12th grade teachers, volunteers, and professionals in agricultural literacy. Taking place in beautiful Orlando, FL, this event will inspire attendees to teach through a lens of agriculture.The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization works to increase the agricultural literacy of teachers and students by helping them communicate the source and value of agriculture in our lives. Learn more and register.
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WORKSHOP
Project Seasons for Young Learners: Cultivating Joy and Wonder
July 10–14 (In Person, Shelburne, VT): Join Shelburne Farms educators for an immersive, energizing week on the farm to inspire your curriculum with fresh ideas. While they use the farm as a teaching tool, they’ve crafted this experience to support you no matter where you’re located. You’ll learn ways to utilize your community – be it a city, the suburbs, or a rural area – as a vital resource in your early education program. No program is the same and it brings together a wonderful community of learners from all over who share, inspire, and support each other! Thanks to grant funding, participation is offered at no cost for 2023. In order to register, you must commit to attending the entire program. (Lodging not included.) Register.
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CONFERENCE
National Children & Youth Garden Symposium
July 12–15 (In Person, Knoxville, TN): Since 1993, the American Horticultural Society’s National Children & Youth Garden Symposium has educated thousands of teachers who have, in turn, gone on to educate over a million children. Every year, the symposium brings together educators, landscape architects and designers, staff at botanic gardens, non-profits, and more from around the country who are all working to engage children with gardens and the natural world that surrounds them. Register.
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The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. Much like the work of grassroots groups in their communities, the eligibility guidelines are always evolving to meet the needs of those seeking funding. Their Seed Grants are $500- $1000, and the deadline is rolling - you can apply for a Seed grant any time of year. A final decision generally takes 4 to 6 weeks and you can expect to hear from staff to schedule a follow-up call in about 2 weeks from the date you submit an application. Learn more... | |
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FBEN's 4th Summer Camp Learning Community Wraps Up
A group of farm camp operators have been meeting biweekly since February to share their plans and questions as they relate to farm camp. The group was graciously hosted by Ani Steele, the owner of Builder/Weaver, LLC, a food and culture consulting service based in Denver. Participants shared hiring tips, staff training ideas, and activity ideas such as making "chicken salad" i.e. salad mixes for chicken flocks. Notes and recordings can be found here, and anyone is welcome to join the FBEN Summer Camp Google Group. Ani, we couldn't have done this without you, thank you!
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Risk Management Education for Farmers with On-Farm Visitors Course: This online curriculum offers information and tools to enhance the safety and health of a on-farm operation that allows visitors on their property. Participation in this program will lead to new skills and techniques to implement practical management solutions on your farm. Individuals will have 3 months to complete this course and will receive a certificate of completion upon successfully completing the online training modules, activities and quizzes. | |
As part of National Farm to School Network’s Who’s At the Table? School Meals Campaign, they’re releasing four spotlights of states that have successfully implemented universal meals. This first case study presents a deep dive into Vermont’s Act 151, and how the state’s coalition has created a “virtuous cycle” by connecting farm to school and universal meals in their advocacy. View the full report to find a detailed bill overview, top tips that helped the coalition succeed, as well as the practical wins and challenges during implementation. | | |
The Farm-Based Education Network (FBEN) is a free member network established to strengthen and support the work of educators, farmers, and community leaders who provide access and experiences on working farms. Our mission is to inspire, nurture, and promote farm-based education. The FBEN is a project administered by Shelburne Farms and supported by regional groups, advisers, and founding partners. |
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