Our field trips offer a variety of hands-on learning experiences for school (and other) groups. We emphasize a “seed to mouth” or “field to fork” full circle understanding of food production. We strive to share an ethic of environmental stewardship, which is exemplified in organic farming practices. View our brochure.
Activities on the Farm: Field trip activities vary according to season and are tailored to students’ age group incorporating Common Core Standards. In the fall we offer “Applemania” in which students learn the history of the apple economy in the Pajaro Valley, how to build a healthy, “mostly plants” plate of food, harvest apples from our trees, then make their own fresh cider with our hand crush and crank cider press.
In the spring we focus our curriculum on life cycles and ecology. Students learn the plant life cycle through up close examinations of flowers, by planting seeds, harvesting strawberries and by tasting the 6 plant parts. Animal life cycles are introduced through hands-on interaction with and care for our baby goats and chicks, and goat milking. Other activities in the spring vary by grade level and include: a Fabulous Five Plant Needs Scavenger Hunt, and Insect Investigations.
Other possible activities for your group include plant propagation, farm animal care, composting, organic pest control, direct to consumer business models, as well as an exploration of how and why things are grown organically. We welcome input from teachers on how to integrate field trip activities with their students’ curricula, and so will gladly customize your field trip to suit your needs.
Duration and Group Size: Field trips are typically 3 hours in length and your group is invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the farm following the event. If you are interested in experiencing the delight of eating seasonal and local food, please let us know so we can help you plan and source your picnic menu. We have found that we are best prepared to offer a rich and focused experience to single class groups; however larger groups and trips of longer duration (even camp-outs) can be accommodated by special arrangement.
Scheduling and Cost: Live Earth Farm offers field trips to schools and other groups from April through October (maximum of 36 students/children in any one group please). Please consult the Events Calendar for available dates. We schedule only two field trips per week and the schedule fills up quickly, so if you would like to set one up, contact us early in the season for the best availability. Cost is $7-$10 per student, however our commitment to community outreach allows for reduced rates to a limited number of groups that could not otherwise attend. We will also gladly accept more generous contributions that will go to maintaining this program for future visitors.
See calendar to check for available field trip dates, then email our Education Programs Coordinator, Peter, at LEFDPeducation@gmail.com, 831-728-2032.
*PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG TO THE FARM*
We have dogs on the farm, whose purpose is to protect the farm from other animals. For the safety of the children who visit, we ask that you leave your animals at home. There is rarely adequate shade for you to leave your animal in the car while on site.
*If you need your service dog to accompany you to our site, please contact us in advance and have your service dog clearly marked. We will do our best to prepare for your animal’s visit and accommodate your needs for a service animal.