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Mini Grant Winners 1994-1996
First Cycle 1994 (September - 1994)
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1. Students of the Farm - Berkshire County Collaborative Project
The Land Trust organized a students on the farm project with the Plains School in Stockbridge. This Farm immersion program is designed to strengthen the knowledge of local agriculture and offers third graders director contact with farmers, food and farms. Students participate in 5-6 full days of planting, cultivating, composting, harvesting, distribution and marketing of crops as well as classroom instruction by farmers.
Contact: Cathy Roth, UMASS Cooperative Extension, 44 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Attn: Berkshire Regional Food & Land Council
Project Duration: October 1, 1994-September 30, 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $1,000
Total Project: $3,500
Board Liaison: Janet Christensen
Second Cycle 1994 (November - 1994)
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1. Franklin County "Pumpkins from Seed to Harvest"
Pearl Rhodes Elementary School and Dancing Bear Farm, Leyden, MA - 2nd year organic gardening project and tours.
This project introduced students at the Pearl Rhodes Elementary School in Leyden, MA to growth
cycle of a crop by giving them their own pumpkin field to plant and harvest. In one introductory
classroom session and two farm visits students planted seed, transplanted, mulched their field
and harvested pumpkins. the pumpkins were donated to the classroom for sale to expand
their trip account. This is the second year for the pumpkin project, it will be expanded to reach
more age groups.
Contact: Tom Ashley & Trish Crapo, 181 Frizzell Hill Road, Leyden, MA , 01337 (413) 774-2021
Project Duration: Spring and fall of 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $125
Board Liaison: Howard Boyden
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2. "Food and Health Science" Program
The Department of Food Science at the University of massachusetts is interested in raising
awareness of students and the general public about various scientific aspects of food. This
would lead to a better understanding of the scientific nature of food production and food
processing technologies thus increasing public awareness of the safety, nutrition quality of
our food supply. The program will conduct workshops and supply curricula materials to
middle and high-school science teachers.
Contact: Eric Decker, Associate Professor, Department of Food Science, Chenoweth Lab, UMASS, Amherst, MA 01003 (413) 545-1026
Mini-Grant Award: $3,500
Board Liaison: Jim Marcum
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3. "School Cafeteria Composting Program"
Conway Grammar School in Cooperation with the Smith Vocational-Agricultural School Farm and the Center for Ecological Technology.
The Conway Grammar School composting program was begun with the intent of introducing
biological decomposition and recycling to students in grades one through six with emphasis on
handling cafeteria kitchen wastes and table scraps, the project confronts the issues surrounding
food production, consumption and waste, as well as recycling and other current waste issues.
Although the program has been successfully implemented currently maintenance of composting
activity relies on volunteer efforts. In-service training of staff will provide in-house technical
assistance and understanding of composting to assist in institutionalization of the program.
Contact: Tim Luce, Conway Grammar School, 24 Foumier Road, Conway, MA 01341
Project Duration: 1994-1995 school year
Mini-Grant Award: $873
Board Liaison: Heather Ware
- 4. Growing with Care, Big Brother/Big Sister Program
The Big Brother Big Sister Program of Martha's Vineyard sponsored a series of agriculture related
lectures to benefit the community promote the Big Brother Big Sister Program, match adults and
children with similar interest and to educate the public about sustainable agriculture, composting,
food sources and specific garden related topics. Lectures were held at Eden, a local garden center
and farm market on Saturdays in May and June. Funding to hire lecturers with expertise and for
publicity throughout the Island.
Contact: Dee Dice, Box 2001, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568 (508) 693-0910
Duration: May and June 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $1,348
Board Liaison: Debi Hogan
- Waltham and Watertown Community Farm
They started a community farm on three acres of the grounds of Gore Place, an historic mansion
located in Waltham and Watertown The purpose of the farm was two fold: to grow vegetables for
local soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries and to give urban people (children and adults) a
chance to experience working on a farm by volunteering to plant cultivate and harvest the
vegetables. Education about sustainable agriculture was communicated through written materials
and conversation. The grant request paid for half of the stipend for a summer intern from
Tufts School of Nutrition.
Contact: Oakes Plimpton, 67 Coolidge Road, Arlington, MA 02174 (617) 648-5117
Project Duration: Summer of 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $500
Board Liaison: Henry Hicks
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6. Proctor and Witch Hollow Farm Education Program
Agricultural education teaching materials were purchased from a variety of different
sources. These materials will become the basic foundation curriculum for the Witch
Hollow Farm Cultural Center, and will also be used as an enrichment science program
in the Tri-Town School Union in grades K-6. All materials will be compiled into a
comprehensive state of the agricultural curriculum.
Contact: Melanie Shepard, Proctor School 60 Main Street, Topsfield, MA, 01983 (508) 352-7390
Mini-Grant Award: $1,757
Board Liaison: June Johnson
7.Creating a Model for Sustainable Agriculture in the Classroom
The Natick Community Organic Farm currently provides farm-based programs to Natick school
children in grades 1-5. This project will enable the Farm to add programs at the Kindergarten and
middle school level as well as provide teacher training, informational materials, pre and post
Farm visit activities, and slide sets to enhance school visits. There is currently little interaction
between farm staff and school faculty; teachers need to be empowered as to ways in which the
farm can be a resource in the development of their own projects, lessons and activities.
Contact: Elizabeth Keohan, Eliot Montessori Middle School, 119 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760 (508) 655-7333
Mini-Grant Award: $500
Board Liaison: Elena Byrne
The six teachers with 3rd grade classes (150 students) at the Westport Elementary School
teach many of the Social Studies and Science curriculum objectives by using Westport as a
theme. It is more meaningful if it is a real life experience that the students can relate to.
Through the use of hands-on materials, speakers, projects, visuals and more, the children
become very knowledgeable about Westport's social, economical and historical background.
One of the largest resources in Westport is it's farms. Therefore, one of the major objectives
of the Unit on Westport is to teach the importance of the farming community and how it effects
everyone's lives.
Contact: Joan Travers, Westport Elementary School, 540 Drift Road, Westport, MA 02790 (508) 636-8620
Mini-Grant Award: $375
Board Liaison: Jim Munger
3rd Cycle 1995 - (April 1995)
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1. "Outdoor Classroom Project", Brimfield Elementary School
A newly remodeled school site, became an outdoor gardening and landscaping classroom
A volunteer worked with every classroom in the school as well as several special classes and
scout groups. Each class developed and planted their own theme garden (alphabet garden, early
American garden, herb garden, butterfly garden, dye garden, cut flower garden, sitting garden,
etc.). 13 gardens in total were planted around the school These gardens were maintained throughout the summer and an irrigation systems was installed in the front of the school.
Contact: Linda Fuchs, Volunteer, CIO Brimfield Elementary School, Wales Road, Brimfield, MA, 01010 (413) 245-7337
Project Duration: January-June 1995
Mini Grant Award: $800
Board Liaison: Debi Hogan
- 2. Head Start inc. in Holyoke-Chicopee and Lampson Brook CSA Farm Partnership.
This project proposes to establish a mutually beneficial partnership between a child care center
and a local farm. Holyoke Chicopee Head Start, inc. a non-profit community organization which
provides services to needy families, will purchase shares in Lampson Brook CSA Farm - a
Community Supported Agriculture Farm. In return for the shares purchased by local community
members, each receives fresh produce in season. Holyoke Chicopee Head Start will receive the
fresh produce and will also educate the children and their families on responsible farming.
Contact: Elena S. Byrne, Program Specialist, Food and Consunner Service, USDA, 10 Causeway Street, Room 501, Boston, MA 02222 (617) 565-6488
Project Duration: April 1995 to November 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $500
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3. Construction of a Mini-Farm with MAC Emphasis.
A new agri-facility was built to house farm animals at the 4-H Farley Outdoor Education Center.
The mini-farm provides security for animals (often borrowed from local Farm Bureau members),
improve program efficiency, and enhances the agriculture education program.
Contact: Michael Campbell, Executive Director, 4-H Farley Outdoor Education Center, 615 Route 130, Mashpee, MA, 02649 (508) 477-0181
Project Duration: 1995 Camp Season
Mini-Grant Award: $2,500
Board Liaison: Mary McBrady
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4. Food Talk TV Cable, Mass Media Ag in the Classroom
- The project would develop five 25 minute cable TV shows in cooperation with UMASS
Extension. for grades K-4. The program would be a progressive series.
- Contact: Sharon L. Miller, 17 Armstrong Drive, Westboro, MA 01581-3501
- Mini-Grant Award: $200
- Board Liaison: Janet Christensen
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5. "Outdoor Learning Center" Allandale Farm
There is a history of over 10 years of outdoor learning projects at this farm.This proposal
provides a series of 19 workshops from May 1995 through October 1995 All of the themes to
develop the theme of critical relationships between lives of participants and the role of
agriculture and it's role in participants lives.
Contact: John D. Lee, Allandale Farm, 259 Allandale Road, Brookline, MA 02167
Project Duration: May to October 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $1,000
Board Liaison: Vicki Bourneuf
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6. Milk Machine Exhibit "From Cow to Consumer"
This 6th generation dairy operation opened a Farmland exhibit in 1991 on 1 1/2 acres. It has
grown to be the largest collection of endangered farm animals in New England. This year they have made the Dairy Milking Parlor ADA accessible. This grant will fund highly
interactive signs for the Dairy Milking Parlor education program.
Contact: Laurence Davis, Farmland Petting Zoo, 7 Davis Ledge Road, Sterling, MA 01564, (508) 422-MOOO fax: 508-422-OINK
Duration: Construction begins May 1995 Opens June 1995
Mini-Grant Award: $475
Board Liaison: Marjorie Cooper
To run Earth Science Club after school. Program content includes composting, maple sugaring,
germinating seeds, investigating trees and exploring the Salem Woods. They will tap maple trees
and take field visits to Salem Woods and open space in Salem. The program will reach 15 students for an eight week period (diverse population, 49% are low income).
Contact: Andrea Dickinson, After School Enrichment, 81/2 Summit Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 508-744-7211
Project Duration: Eight weeks in the spring of 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $570
Board Liaison: June Johnson
2. Center for Ecological Technology: Community Gardening coalition developed to help develop two Eco-gardens.
The program will offer workshops on eco-gardening to provide information about sustainable and ecological growing techniques to teachers end members of the community. This information will be shared with students, who will then gain real life experience by using that knowledge as they develop a community garden. The communities involved will also learn about community gardening and will begin to understand the nutritional value of organic food and how to prepare fresh produce, gain an appreciation of our local farms in Berkshire County and experience the empowerment of growing one's own food.
Contact: Laura Dubester, Director, Center for Ecological Technology, 112 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, (413)445-4556 Fax (413)443-8123
Project Duration: December 1995 to July 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $1,250
Board Liaison: Bill Thuemmel
- 3. "A Celebration of Our Local Farms"
Agricultural studies are a way to bring the focus back to the community. Students will
explore agriculture through traditional methods as well as through the use of computers
and CD-ROM They will record their discoveries through word processing, desk top
publishing, spreadsheets and databases. A community dinner will kick off the agriculture
unit and the celebration of the local farming community and a field trip will be conducted.
Contact: Katherine A Kaczynski, Computer Coordinator, Trinity Catholic Academy, 11 Pine Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Project Duration: November 95 - June 96
Request: $3,500
Board Liaison: Julie Valcour
5th Cycle: November 1995
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1. Compost and Soils Laboratory Project
The Conway Grammar School Compost program began in 1992 with an assessment. The
Composting and recycling program is fully integrated into the school at this time at all levels.
The current funds are requested for the developing and piloting of a compost curriculum and
lab test kit for elementary grades The curriculum will he evaluated by independent teachers and
will fit with math and science guidelines. Ages: primary and upper elementary grades - field tested
1st and 5th grades.
Contact: Tim Luce, Principal, Conway Grammar School, Conway, MA
Project Duration: December, 1995 through August 31, 1996
Mini- Grant Award: $2,000
Board Liaison: Heather Ware
This project will introduce eight grade science students at the Indian Head Middle
School to appropriate knowledge and attitudes about water quality in Hanson. Going
beyond simple observations, students will learn to analyze water quality. They will also
learn about watersheds, pollutants, environmental relationships and patterns and to
evaluate water quality in their own community Includes two field trips, a guest speaker
from Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association and teacher instruction to expand the
program. Pre and post testing. Ages: eight grade science students. Money requested will
fund: supplies, substitute teacher pay and the speaker.
Contact: Anita Kofton, Eight Grade Science, Indian Head Middle School, Hanson, MA
Project Duration: April 1, 1996 through May 31, 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $1,000
Board Liaison: Jim Munger
- 3. Fishing is Shared Heritage
To develop a classroom curriculum on Fisheries and Aquaculture as part of a task
force set up to assist families affected by the imminent off shore fisheries crisis. Overall
goal is to provide sustainable fishes and Aquaculture education to the general public through
a concentrated focus on youth. Project will include storytelling, oral history, teaching materials,
Resource packets, teacher training and parent meetings For Chatham, Orleans, Bastham,
Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown Elementary Schools. Ages: fourth, fifth and sixth graders.
Money requested will fund printing, graphics, supplies, workshops and postage.
Contact: William Clark Director Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Project Duration: January 1, 1996 January 1, 1997
Mini-Grant Award: $2,300
Board Liaison: Dawn Cecil
- 4. Students on the Farm Project
The Land Trust requests continued support of the students on the farm project in
at the Plains School in Stockbridge and expansion to the Village School in West
Stockbridge Farm-immersion program to strengthen knowledge of local agriculture,
offers third graders direct contact with farmers, food and farms. Students participate
in 5-6 full days of planting, cultivating, composting, harvesting, distribution and
marketing of crops, as well as classroom instruction by teachers and farmers. Age: 3rd
grade. Money requested will fund: farmer subsidy, transportation, supplies, education
materials and produce.
Contact: Cathy Roth, Team Leader Agroecology Program, Cooperative Extension, Berkshire County Food and Land Council
Project Duration: December 1, 1995 through November 30, 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $1,000
Board Liaison: Janet Christensen
- 5. Urban Orchards Outdoor Classroom - Phase I
Work with teachers at two elementary schools in Boston to determine strategy for
teaching about urban orchards, develop 3-5 formalized lessons, field test lessons at
two elementary schools with established orchard plantings, add to the orchard plantings
at those schools, evaluate and refine materials. Explore producing materials and lessons
for the middle school grades. Age: elementary grades. Money requested will fund: $500
supplies, $2,000 staff time, 1,000 teacher meeting, printing, school planting, other
Contact: William Taylor, Executive Director, Earthworks 42 Robinwood Avenue, #2, Jamaica Plain MA 02130 617-983-9463
Project Duration:: December 1995- June 1996
Mini Grant Award: $1,000
Board Liaison: Jean Lynch
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6. Cambridge Organic Gardening Series
Mini-grant will provide 36 teacher in three elementary schools in Cambridge
with materials and consultant support for organic gardening and composting from
Drumlin Farm. Two after school garden planning workshops will be funded for
six lead teachers. It will enable 864 students to become involved in organic
gardening. Age K-6 teachers and 864 students. Money requested will fund. $2,500
materials, $425 stipend, $510 Mass Audubon.
Contact: Barbara Dorritie, Science Department, Cambridge Public School Room R222, Cambridge, MA 02138
Project Runs: Spring through Fall 1996
Mini Grant Award: $600
Board Liaison: June Johnson
- 7. Reaching Out for Agricultural opportunities in the 21st Century
Will take a bus trip to UMASS to visit to plant path and entomology departments
and the Hadley Farm Animal facility in January. In February 4 agriculture
professional will visit the school. their presentations will be videotaped. In March
they will visit Nourse Farm tissue culture facility, N greenhouse and a rose operation.
Each student will keep a journal and classroom activities will support agricultural
comprehension. Age: 40 fifth and sixth grade students.
Contact: Charlene Galenski and Julie Webster, Deerfield Elementary School, 21 Pleasant Street, Deerfield, MA 01373, 413-665-1131
Project Duration: January 1996 to June 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $1,100
Board Liaison: Howard Boyden
6th Cycle, April 1996
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1. Tree Identification Project
The project will identify and label the 25 varied trees on this 11 acre campus in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts. A dichotomous key, specific to the site, will be created and workshops will then be offered to local elementary teachers instructing them how to use this key. Lesson plans will be developed focusing on tree appreciation, beauty, ecological and agricultural importance for a sustainable environment. The arboretum will be promoted for school groups as an outdoor laboratory. Initially 600 students and teachers will be involved in this project. The refined program will ultimately reach 35 elementary schools in the Springfield area. Grant award will funds labels, permanent signage, the key, pr materials, video and 3 teacher training workshops.
Contact: Janet Smith Coyne and Rosa Whiting, MacDuffie School 3 Ames Hill Drive, Springfield, MA 01105, (413) 734-4971, Fax: (413) 734-6693
Mini-grant Award: $800
Board Liaisons: Rena Sumner & Pat Bigelow
2. Gardens to Go
The 35 second graders at the Green River School will learn basic skills of growing food from seed. Students will prepare container gardens, which will be taken home for the summer. Classroom time in April, May and June will be devoted to preparing the students to become capable growers. Most of the money will be spent on a light system and printed education materials.
Contact: Donna Cycz, Grade 2 Classroom Teacher, 60 Meridian Street Greenfield, MA 01301, (413) 774-1385
Project Duration: Spring and fall 1996
Mini-grant Award: $200
Board Liaison: Heather Ware
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3. Display of Farms and Unique Agricultural Products in Franklin County, MA
To develop and exhibit that will include a photographic portrayal of several farms and a description of produce and agricultural methods, examples of the products and a graphic display representing the current percentage of land in agriculture in Franklin County. This will be displayed at the Franklin County Fair and will be made available to other groups and organizations who want to learn about farming in Franklin County.
Contact: Martha Rullman, Box 21 Northfield, MA 01360
Project Duration: Spring and Summer 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $350
Board Liaison: Alex MacPhail
4. A Self Sustaining Agricultural System
The Hillcrest Education Centers, is a residential treatment facility specializing in caring for children who have been victims of sexual and physical abuse, emotional and physical neglect. Most students have never grown anything or even visited a farm. The proposed program is designed to help students, through hands-on experience, understand and value the natural processes associated with recycling, sustaining soil quality and the productivity of the land. To accomplish this goal need to obtain basic materials. Once established the program will be self-sustaining. The grant award will fund window greenhouses, rainwater tanks, fencing, equipment and education materials.
Contact: Brian M. Walsh, Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc., Residential Treatment Centers, P.O. Box 4699 Pittsfield, MA 01202, (413) 528-0535, Fax: (413) 443-0143
Project Duration: April, 1996- April ,1997
Mini-Grant Award: $750
Board Liaison: Heather Ware
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5. The Soil Tunnel: A World Underfoot
The Soil Tunnel is a mobile educational display geared for students in grade 2 through 5. This interactive teaching aide, accompanied with hands-on exercises, was designed and constructed by the USDA and PCCD to demonstrate the importance of soil resources. This unique approach to learning allows students to crawl through}1 the tunnel and experience soil first hand, bugs and all. Each week, a trained college intern will transport and present the tunnel to a different school. PCCD will support the project for the first month. Requested funds will support the Soil Tunnel Activities for May and June.
Contact: Meredith A. Slater, Soil Scientist, USDA - NRCS 15 Cranberry Highway, West Wareham, MA 02576, (508) 295-7962
Project Duration: May and June, 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $1450.
Board Liaison: Mary McBrady
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6. How Does A Cranberry Bog Work?
The grant will be used to familiarize 7th grade students with the last working cranberry bog in Middlesex County. The main goal is to hire buses to transport the students to the bog during harvesting in the fall. The second goal is to rework video research materials}s so that they can be used at the middle school level. The third goal is to introduce the students to a real life farmer, Mr. Mark Duffy, so that they can ask questions about how a cranberry bog works. Finally, as part of an interdisciplinary unit the students can make cranberry rakes, build mini-bogs, and learn how cranberry goes from bog to table in juice, jelly and baked goods. Grant award will fund small fee for project director and farmer, buses, science supplies, cranberry scoop supplies ($750) and baking supplies. One seventh grade class.
Contact: Susan Bassler, Pickford Bartlett Middle School, 79 Wannalancit Street, Lowell, MA 01854, (508) 937-8969, Fax: (508) 441-3745
Project Duration: Autumn of 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $800
Board Liaison: Maureen Rankin
7. Saturdays at the Farm Program
The Hampshire College Farm is seeking funding for a fifteen week program for elementary-age children during the summer of 1996. The Saturdays-at-the-Farm Program is a hands-on program that provides urban youth-at-risk, the opportunity to create their own communal, organic vegetable and flower garden within the context of a working farm. The Khmer Community of Western Massachusetts and The Holyoke Youth Alliance will identify the children who will join the program. The program will bring children of different economic, social and ethnic backgrounds together to work on this joint food production venture. The grant would fund staff and snacks for kids.
Contact: Nicolette Robb, Director, School-to-Farm Program, Hampshire College Farm, 793 West Street, Amherst MA 01002, (413) 582-5348
Project Duration: Summer of 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $800
Board Liaison: Alex MacPhail
- 8. Agriculture in the City
Agriculture in the City: Exposing Urban Kids to Gardening Lambert-Lavoie School has instituted a hands-on science program following the directives of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Two gardens and a beautification project are planned as the initial phase of a program that is designed to teach city students that agriculture is a large part of their lives. The entire K-5 student body will participate in the research, planning and implementation of these gardens. The program integrates several areas of the curriculum including math, language arts, science, history and geography. The garden project will provide urban students with opportunities to experience, appreciate and better understand agricultural issues. The grant will fund soil tests and amendments, rototilling, Horticultural trainer, garden supplies, plants and irrigation.
Contact: Tracie Padyhula, Science Resource Teacher, Linda Fuchs, Horticulturist, Lambert-Lavoie School, 99 Kendall Street Chicopee, MA 01020, (413) 594-3444
Project Duration: Spring, summer and fall of 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $970
Board Liaison: Jerry Myers
Request for Barnyard Equipment and Curriculum Thanks to a grant from Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, last year, 4-H Camp Farley was able to construct a new mini-barnyard complex. This beautiful facility currently houses the camp's barnyard animals and serves as an effective tool for conducting agricultural activities. In keeping with this effort, 4-H Farley is requesting additional funds from MAC to purchase various support equipment and agricultural materials. This modest addition of specifically designed feeders and waterers, related curriculum and games, and other support items will go a long way toward enhancing the facility and program and improving our ability to manage it.
Contact: Mike Campbell, Executive Director, 4-H Farley Outdoor Education Center, 615 Route 130 Mashpee, MA 02649
Project Duration: Spring and Summer of 1996
Mini-Grant Award: $500
Board Liaison: Janet Christensen
10. Pepperell Meets Hames and Axel Farm
Hames and Axel Farm is an educational service to be provided throughout Massachusetts. Consisting of nine modules, each deals with a different topic. Beginning with Family Tree Child Care Center, three of the units will be presented to their school age summer program. These three plus three more will begin in October ' 96 as an enrichment program at Peter Fitzpatrick Elementary School. Units use a combination of media including live animals and drama. These and other tools will connect students with the farmer's contribution to their lives, and encourage land preservation and support for sustainable agriculture.
Contact: Patricia Garland Stewart, 3 Crescent Street, Pepperell, MA 01463, (508) 433-0256
Project Duration: Spring and fall of 1996
Mini-grant Award: $800
Board Liaison: Maureen Rankin
For more information about Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom or our programs:
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Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom
P.O. Box 345
Seekonk, MA 02771
(508) 336-4426 Fax: (508) 336-0682
www.aginclassroom.org
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