North Frederick field trip to Fox Haven Organic Farm

North Frederick 3rd graders loved their field trip to Fox Haven Organic Farm! They learned that not all farms are the same. Fox Haven, located in Jefferson, MD resides on over 730 acres of thriving preserved land. Attractions include an orchard with heirloom varieties of apples, cherries and more, an apiary and an herb garden full of scents, textures and tastes! Since the 1980s, Fox Haven’s forest and farmland have been a training ground for innovative sustainable farming and conservation practices. Through projects that restore the health of the land, protect water quality, improve habitat for wildlife, sequester carbon in the soil, grow health-giving food, Fox Haven models sustainable healthy ecosystems that can be replicated in other places.

Students were encouraged to touch, smell and taste several different herbs and learned what their significance is in our daily lives. Lemon verbena is great for calming and focus, sage and oregano are great when you have a cold, comfrey helps wounds heal, and these are just some of the lesson Ms. Ashley shared.

Lessons also included amazing history on bees and honey. Did you know? There are 400+ species of bees found throughout the state of Maryland and over 3,000 plants that are considered native to Maryland? Mr. Taylor’s bee & honey talk was very educational and interesting. Honey comes in different colors; lighter honeys are sweeter while darker honeys have more complex flavors. Students were able to taste test the different honeys to see for themselves how honey flavors are unique. Bees evolved along side flowers, and it’s believed that bees evolved from wasps who turned to vegetarian diets, i.e. pollen and nectar from plants. Fascinating! Bees are essential for crop production. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “Close to 75% of the world’s crop producing fruits and seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on pollinators for sustained production, yield and quantity.”

These 3rd grade students were engaged and curious, asked and answered questions and had a wonderful time. They are amazing and we are so happy to have been able to spend the day with them! Farm to School Frederick was able to sponsor this field trip with grant funding provided by The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Thank you North Frederick Elementary School, Fox Haven Farm, University of MD Extension SNAP-Ed, & The Community Foundation of Frederick!