Do you want to grow peas, carrots and other vegetables right in your back yard? Would you like to meet with other families to learn about gardening and food through hands-on work, outdoor classes, art projects, and cooking? Then the Kids Can Grow program might be a perfect fit for you and your child! If feeding, caring for and halter breaking young Belted Galloway calves is what you want then your child volunteering at Aldermere for Farmhands may be a great match!
Maine Coast Heritage Trust, in collaboration with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, is hosting the Kids Can Grow program for its fourth year in a row, starting in April. Registration is open for 12 families with children between the ages of 7 and 12.
A series of six hands-on gardening classes will be held in the community garden at the Erickson Fields Preserve from May through October. The program provides a fun introduction for kids and parents to grow vegetables for healthy eating and is open to all skill levels.
The following materials will be provided to each family to build their own raised bed at home: lumber, soil, nails, and some seeds and seedlings. In addition, each family is assigned a garden mentor to provide inspiration and assistance with their home garden bed once a month. Kids and adults will learn the basics together in group sessions at the preserve’s gardens, then practice their skills in their own 3 x 5 foot raised bed gardens at home. Any extra produce from the group beds will be donated to local food pantries.
Classes are led by staff from Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Cooperative Extension, as well as many dedicated volunteers. Sign up now to be a part of this kid-oriented gardening community for the 2015 season!
Cost for the entire program is $30, and some scholarships are available.
Parent Orientation is Wednesday, April 29, 5:00-6:15 pm in the upper conference room at Aldermere Farm. Group classes for parents/children start May 6, 4:00-6:00 pm and are held the first Wednesday of each month through October.
The Farmhands program (no fee) for youth ages 12 or older will run every Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:30pm starting April 29 and for six weeks at Aldermere Farm at 20 Russell Avenue. Please call 236-2739 or email jlucas@mcht.org to register for either program.
Aldermere and Erickson Preserves are owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, which is working statewide to conserve land for greater community benefits.
