L.I.F.E. Garden Program
Learning LIFE skills in the gardenWhat is the L.I.F.E Garden Program?
The Fundamentals of L.I.F.E.
The Lopez Island Farm Education (L.I.F.E.) Farm and Garden Program encourages K- 12 students to learn an appreciation for nature, nutrition, community, land stewardship, and the environment. Founded on S&S Homestead Farm in 2002, the L.I.F.E. Program has exceeded all expectations, maturing to become a fully integrated, inspiring model for schools nationwide. The program has three focus areas:
By Autumn 2002, they were determined to do something about it. They began teaching an elective at Lopez Island High School called Farm to School. Basing the curriculum on sustainable agricultural practices, they offered their homestead as an outdoor classroom. Students learned to grow, harvest, prepare and eat healthy foods while also donating the greens they grew to the school cafeteria.
But after 3 successful years, the impulse to expand the program to grades K-12 had burgeoned beyond what they alone were capable of.
From Seedling to Sapling
The Classroom
Students sow seeds for the garden using indoor lights towers before planting the seedlings outside. Using food as a unifying principle, students engage in experiential learning to gain knowledge in geography, history, literature, math, social studies, art and music. A favorite lesson involves taking the produce students have grown & harvested to prepare healthy recipes using the mobile cooking cart. View the classroom in action.
“Why try to explain miracles to children when you can just have them plant a garden”
—Anonymous
The Garden and Farm
In the Rishi Environmental Learning Garden, fruit orchard, homeroom and cafeteria beds, and hoop houses, students develop observation skills, engage in applied sciences & mathematics & grow food for the school. The garden inspires and informs studies in music, literature & art. At S&S Homestead Farm, a nearby biodynamic farm that serves as an outdoor classroom, high school students experience theory put into practice. Look at a garden Map or view the garden slideshow.
The Kitchen & Cafeteria
Using produce they have grown and harvested, students prepare meals for the school cafeteria in culinary arts classes. Elementary students eat food they have grown, enjoying healthy snacks such as carrots and broccoli while they wait their turn to eat. All students enjoy healthy, fresh meals every day. View the fruits of our harvest.
Rishi Environmental Learning Garden
Built as a memorial for a Lopez student, the Rishi garden features aquatic plants, fish, amphibians and flowers, and showcases student art.