Weavers Way Co-op - Farm Education Programs

559 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215-843-2350

8424 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-843-2350

2129 72nd Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19138
215-276-0706

Weavers Way
Farm Education Program

The farm’s education programs are operated by Weavers Way Community Programs (WWCP), a 501(3)c non-profit formed by Weavers Way as part of Mt. Airy Community Services Corporation in order to facilitate Weavers Way’s non-profit activities. WWCP programs also include the Marketplace Program and the Weavers Way Environmental Programs. Student visitors to the farm come from diverse backgrounds and range from pre-k to college. Visits focus on farm-based lessons and/or volunteer service.

Farm-based Lessons

Year-round, farm-based lessons focus on scientific inquiry, the humanities, nutrition education, and more, using experiential and creative learning. All lessons are tailored to each group’s needs and meet PA Dept. of Education standards. Many programs take place on the ¼ acre children’s garden, where students participate in all aspects of farming. In the colder months, classroom lessons continue. Special projects may be available in the production fields.

Science
Soil/Weather Measurements
Patterns of Environmental Change
Biotic and Abiotic Circumstances

Humanities
Interpretive and Reflective Exercises
Arts & Crafts activities
Prose and Poetry writing

Nutrition
Local and Organic Food Chains
Real Food vs. Processed
The Nature of Weeds

Service Trips

The Weavers Way Farm is a valuable destination for service learning trips. The farm welcomes
individuals and groups to partake in the many tasks required by our agricultural efforts.

Projects may include:
     general clearing
     composting
     planting
     harvesting
     mulching
     specially designed projects

Weavers Way Farm Education Programs Welcomes Farm Educator Adam Forbes

Adam Forbes

In March the seeds are planted each year for the season’s bounty, and those that have been lying dormant germinate to grow again for another season. Similar to many of you, following this process is a lifelong passion for me, and I have enjoyed watching it unfold at the Weavers Way Farm sites in my role as Farm Educator. It is with positive hope for the future, after spending three years managing and developing the Weavers Way Farm education programs, that I have decided to step aside from this role and hand the reigns to our new farm educator, Adam Forbes. I am confident in Adam’s abilities and enthusiasm to manage the existing programs and his ability to add his personal touch and grow the program in the future. I wish him success!

Because my heart is linked with the programs and the mission, I don’t expect to go very far away. I plan on assuming the role of Farm Educator assistant, and through my work, support WWCP, the farm, and sustainability interests in general. This will include helping with the existing programs, lending a hand on the farm with many of you, but also continuing my own personal education in the field. A few specific things that this change represents for me is a new partnership with Cheltenham High School. Working with the students and a faculty representative there, I am in the process now of planning a small after-school garden program with the students. More to come on this story in coming issues of the Shuttle. Stay tuned...

As for the farm education programs this spring, Adam and I are working diligently, contacting many schools from across the region who have come to the farm in the past and others who may be interested in involving their students at the farm with our programs this spring. This is where many of you come in. If you are a teacher or know of a teacher who would like to connect with the Weavers Way Farm Education team about getting your students involved, then please
e-mail us at educator@weaversway.coop . We are about to publish a new brochure for the programs. You will find a copy of this information on the website and at the store. See you at the farm!

Directions to the Farm