Multicultural FOOD and ECOLOGY Youth Initiative

Project Overview

YENC21-162
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2021: $4,000.00
Projected End Date: 01/31/2023
Grant Recipient: Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society (NPSAS)
Region: North Central
State: Minnesota
Project Manager:
RICHARD HALL
Prairie Rose Agricultural Institute for Research, Innovation and Education (PRAIRIE)

Information Products

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops, food processing, greenhouses, high tunnels or hoop houses, low tunnels, pollinator habitat, pollinator health, row covers (for season extension), winter storage
  • Education and Training: demonstration, study circle, workshop, youth education, ethno-cultural, project-based, participatory, experiential learning
  • Farm Business Management: farmers' markets/farm stands
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, habitat enhancement, Pollinator gardens
  • Pest Management: compost extracts, mulches - general, physical control, soil solarization, weed ecology

    Proposal abstract:

    Building on an Indigenous Community Food Orchard/Garden and a multicultural New Roots Farm Incubator Cooperative, this project will introduce youth to careers in regenerative and sustainable agriculture and native habitat restoration utilizing a 10-step k-20 project-based Earth Partnership and Indigenous Arts & Sciences curriculum developed in Wisconsin and Minnesota collaboration with local schools, tribal and community colleges and universities. The project involves students, teachers & community members in habitat restoration, food production on schoolyards, and nearby natural areas.  Outcomes will include increased agricultural and environmental awareness/literacy, including regenerating, soil health, carbon sequestration, bio-remediation, perennial crops, pollinators, and other ecosystem services. 

     

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. Students, teachers, and community increase sustainable farming/habitat restoration skills through hands-on work with farmers, and natural resource practitioners reinforced by practical work at school/community demonstration sites.
    2. Youth introduced to sustainable ag and natural resource career opportunities through meetings with farmers, grocers, chefs, landscape, and natural resource practitioners.
    3. Students learn regenerative agriculture and ecological restoration practices through the Earth Partnership curriculum across… place, ecosystem, culture, age, learning style, subject, objectives & standards.
    4. Youth participate in farmers' markets and environmental, agriculture, and health fairs and events and share project results through a conference presentation and social media.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.