Each year (Covid permitting) students in third through sixth grade have the opportunity to go on a much beloved, 5-day farm trip with their class. Our school is fortunate to be able to partner with the Hawthorne Valley Biodynamic Farm in Ghent, NY for these wonderful trips. During these week-long excursions, our children learn many life skills while helping to tend the animals, prepare the food, serve at meals and care for their surroundings as well as being given lessons in farming. Some of the most important lessons come from learning to care for the animals and the health of the planet through its soil.

This Earth Day, April 22, 2022, found our own fifth and sixth graders packing and preparing, on the eve of their joint trip to the farm. Due to the Pandemic, farm trips have not occurred for two years, and the fifth grade was especially excited for this, their first trip, while the sixth graders were anxious to return for their third adventure.

One of the greatest ways that we can care for our planet is to practice Biodynamic farming. And what better way to honor Earth Day than to dive into a week on a Biodynamic farm. Concepts of biodynamic agriculture, sustainable and symbiotic growing practices, regenerative systems, etc. have been utilized by Indigenous civilizations throughout time and were embraced by ever increasing numbers of colonist farmers and educators. One such notable proponent was visionary, philosopher and social reformer, Rudolf Steiner who developed, codified and founded a particular discipline now known as Biodynamic Agriculture. He also pioneered Waldorf Education.

The Biodynamic farm is seen as a living organism, a self-contained ecosystem. Rather than battling Nature with the use of pesticides, chemicals, genetically modified seeds or monoculture crops, a holistic approach to crop cultivation creates this sustainable farm. The ethical practices of composting, responsible animal husbandry, vermiculture and care for cover crops all work to build the vibrant health of the nitrogen-rich soil. The resulting harvests yield ecologically-sound and nutritionally-rich foods, infused with vibrant forces that nurture us, body and soul.

While at the farm, our students learn to prepare and enjoy these vibrant and nutrient dense foods in delicious plant-based meals. Many students come home to report their growing appreciation for salads and a newfound love of vegetables! While at the farm on this trip, our fifth and sixth grade students also had the chance to visit with the new calves and lambs, try their hands at making butter and yogurt, ride a horse and milk a cow. The two classes returned happy, well-fed and filled with rich experiences and life skills.

Biodynamic farmers are custodians of the earth. Support for Biodynamic agriculture and the chance to learn first hand about Biodynamic farming is a wonderful investment in our planet's and children's future. At WSL, we are blessed to be able to partner with Hawthorne Valley and learn about sustainable agriculture as well as milking a cow! Enjoy pictures from the fifth and sixth grade farm trip here.

Hawthorne Valley Farm Trip—What better way to celebrate Earth Day!