Nature's Way AC Farm

Nature's Way has a partnership with Murphy Springs Farm that allows us to use a plot of land adjacent to the school for the adolsecent community farm. The NWMS farm dream is to become an outdoor resource that can be used not only for the adolescent community, but also in all communities for education.  Dr. Maria Montessori wrote: 

“Therefore work on the land is an introduction both to nature and to civilization and
gives a limitless field for scientific and historic studies.”

At Nature's Way, we incorporate nature into all of our classrooms, but our adolsecents (7th/8th grade) are especially connected to it through our farm.  They use the produce from the farm as part of their microeconomy.  Through the microeconomy, students begin to understand how the economy on a larger scale functions, which is a philosophy encouraged by Maria Montessori.  She wrote: 

“The essential reform is this: to put the adolescent on the road to achieving economic independence.”

Currently, we have a wagon greenhouse, a shed, apple and pear trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry vines, running water, and a 25' x 50' garden fenced in garden area for vegetables. We will put raised beds in this area this year. There is a trail that runs from the school to the farm through the woods.  Here is a photo of what it looked like during its first summer and a photo of our students after planting our new blueberry bushes: 



For our long-term plan, which we hope to accomplish within the next 2 to 5 years, we plan to build a shade structure for breaks from the sun, some picnic tables for breaks, and an outdoor classroom for small classes. 

We would greatly appreciate support to grow the farm more quickly than we would otherwise be able to do without outside funding.  Students of all ages will benefit from a farm to help teach chemical-free farming practices and create even more of a connection with the land for students of all ages.

Here are a few things on our wish list: 
     - Shade Structure
     - Picnic Tables
     - Perennial Flowers
     - Outdoor Classroom Chalkboard
   
Additionally, we will be interested in volunteers to help with labor for things such as the shade structure and the picnic tables.  If you are interested in helping in this way, please let me know!

Please feel free to contact me, Jenny Spatz, the farm manager, with any questions you may have.

Also check our website, facebook, and instagram! 

https://nwmsfarm.wixsite.com/nwms-farm
https://www.facebook.com/nwmsfarm/
https://www.instagram.com/nwms_farm/

Thanks so much!