Find Your Way in Nature Series: A Regenerative Waystation Model for Youth Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

YENC26-261
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2026: $5,900.00
Projected End Date: 04/15/2028
Grant Recipient: Manheim Paseo Learning Garden
Region: North Central
State: Missouri
Project Manager:
Sherita Williams
Manheim Paseo Learning Garden

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

This project engages youth in regenerative agriculture by transforming an existing garden bed into a standards-based pollinator waystation using soil-building practices inspired by hugelkultur, compost cycling, and native habitat design. Youth learn through site assessment, phased installation, habitat health monitoring, and multi-season ecological observation. The innovation lies in integrating conservation habitat and food-producing systems to demonstrate ecosystem services within a farm context. By piloting and documenting this Regenerative Waystation model, the project offers a structured, adaptable framework for educators seeking to teach soil health, habitat health, and sustainable agriculture through hands-on, systems-based learning.

Project objectives from proposal:

  • Increase regenerative agriculture knowledge of approximately 20 youth through hands-on installation of a pollinator waystation and avian habitat monitoring within a farm.

  • Demonstrate ecological soundness by teaching soil-building practices, perennial native plant systems, and habitat health tracking as indicators of farm stability.

  • Explore economic viability through farmer-led discussions and optional participation in direct-to-market experiences, illustrating how pollination and soil health support sustainable revenue.

  • Strengthen understanding of land stewardship through land stewardship, habitat restoration, and youth leadership. Youth will share outcomes with the local residnets and complete surveys to evaluate learning.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.