Hello!
I am Emily and I want to be a farmer and food systems educator. I have been offered an incredible opportunity to participate in the pioneer Wolf Ridge Farmer Naturalist Training Program!
What is Wolf Ridge?
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center is the first residential environmental learning center in the nation to be accredited as a K-12 school. For the past 40 years, this beautiful place has been recognized internationally as a leader in environmental education. Every school year, Wolf Ridge utilizes the skills of 20 graduate student naturalists to teach the 15,000+ students that come through its campus.
In 2012, Wolf Ridge broke ground on the Organic Farm. This 5-acre farm will ultimately provide organic vegetables for the 140,000 meals served every year in the campus cafeteria. It will be a resource for educating students about food systems, land stewardship, and the connection between agriculture and ecology.
Why do I want to participate in the Farm Naturalist training programming?
My long-term objective of obtaining a leadership role at an agricultural and food focused education institution. I currently hold an advanced Permaculture Design Certificate and have worked on multiple farm around the world, but to be the most effective educator I can be, I want to further develop my understanding of agricultural and ecological systems, and increase my abilities as an educator.
My time in the Wolf Ridge Naturalist Training Program will support these goals by giving me hands-on experience farming, formal educational training (at the graduate level), and active participation and experiential learning in both fields.
Finally, I will be the first Farm Naturalist at the new Wolf Ridge Organic Farm. I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to help build the educational systems at the farm. I will be involved in creating curriculum for students, building physical infrastructure and soil, growing tons of food, and creating the culture of the Farm Naturalist program.
Why do I want to be a sustainable food systems educator?
I believe that the food production system that has emerged in recent years—the one that utilizes expansive monoculture operations that destroy and inhabit ecosystems from thriving is jeopardizing both people and planet.
I want to create systems that empower people with the knowledge and tools to feed their communities in a healthy, diverse, ecological, and resilient way.
What do I need from you?
My goal is to raise $5,000 for tuition and living expenses during the 10-month program at Wolf Ridge ELC. Thank you! I am so very inspired and grateful for your support!