Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Officious Internship Record # 4
... This time with pictures!
I should first inform you that there are two coordinators for the education operations at my place of internship, both of which were gone last week to observe a new environmental education program that they are looking to begin at our center. One returned this week, though, and I have been working with her since Monday, my first 'official' day as an education intern!
As educators, our primary duty is to acquaint visiting students / adults / teachers to nature, fostering within them a great(er) appreciation for the land and nature itself. In the spring, the bulk of this occurs within the context of field trips, ranging anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the age of the visiting group.
Prior to their field trip we conduct a previsit, which entails our going to the school and presenting an introduction to the class of what they can expect and what they have to look forward to!
My first previsit was Monday! One of the directors and I visited a really lovely Jewish day school, bustling with excitement and lots of pretty artwork all over the place. Fortunately I did not have to conduct this previsit (which is great because frankly I had little idea of how they are to go down,) so for this one I just observed and got a feel for how it went and what information was important to mention. I've come away with a much better feeling about doing it myself someday soon.
Following the previsit is, of course, the field trip! Today was a nice and beautiful (overcast and sprinkly) day for the students to visit, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to shadow a guide to once again learn how to properly conduct this particular area of business. I expected the field trips to be very regimented, with specific points of discussion and times for transitioning from one part of the farm / preserve to the next... but to my surprise it was quite the opposite! Very mellow and relaxed with little structure, yet still incredibly educational (if not mroe so) and productive. Leading these should be fun!
Here is a little more of what else has been going on lately...
This is Butterfingers, the farm family's daughter's pet rabbit. It likes people and behaves itself as a dog or other friendly household animal.
Here is the little greenhouse. My time really enjoys my spending it here.
Future tomato hosts.
The BIG greenhouse!
This is chickweed. It is cute but rather obtrusive, and as such happily took a couple hours right out of my fingertips a few days ago as I set about weeding as much of the large greenhouse as possible (before sweating my concentration away [almost]... the place is a sauna of oxygen and green.) I repaid its kindness by tossing it to the chickens, who happen to L O V E it, and many other greens for that matter!
More to come... have a happy day :).
I should first inform you that there are two coordinators for the education operations at my place of internship, both of which were gone last week to observe a new environmental education program that they are looking to begin at our center. One returned this week, though, and I have been working with her since Monday, my first 'official' day as an education intern!
As educators, our primary duty is to acquaint visiting students / adults / teachers to nature, fostering within them a great(er) appreciation for the land and nature itself. In the spring, the bulk of this occurs within the context of field trips, ranging anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the age of the visiting group.
Prior to their field trip we conduct a previsit, which entails our going to the school and presenting an introduction to the class of what they can expect and what they have to look forward to!
My first previsit was Monday! One of the directors and I visited a really lovely Jewish day school, bustling with excitement and lots of pretty artwork all over the place. Fortunately I did not have to conduct this previsit (which is great because frankly I had little idea of how they are to go down,) so for this one I just observed and got a feel for how it went and what information was important to mention. I've come away with a much better feeling about doing it myself someday soon.
Following the previsit is, of course, the field trip! Today was a nice and beautiful (overcast and sprinkly) day for the students to visit, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to shadow a guide to once again learn how to properly conduct this particular area of business. I expected the field trips to be very regimented, with specific points of discussion and times for transitioning from one part of the farm / preserve to the next... but to my surprise it was quite the opposite! Very mellow and relaxed with little structure, yet still incredibly educational (if not mroe so) and productive. Leading these should be fun!
Here is a little more of what else has been going on lately...
This is Butterfingers, the farm family's daughter's pet rabbit. It likes people and behaves itself as a dog or other friendly household animal.
Here is the little greenhouse. My time really enjoys my spending it here.
Future tomato hosts.
The BIG greenhouse!
This is chickweed. It is cute but rather obtrusive, and as such happily took a couple hours right out of my fingertips a few days ago as I set about weeding as much of the large greenhouse as possible (before sweating my concentration away [almost]... the place is a sauna of oxygen and green.) I repaid its kindness by tossing it to the chickens, who happen to L O V E it, and many other greens for that matter!
More to come... have a happy day :).
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Officious Internship Record #3
There is a sizable stall in the barn, formerly the exclusive home to the male goat that bred all our lady goats. His work is done, and now hes gone home.
All winter long, this male goat pooped.
All day long today, I scooped.
My work is done, and now I'm home.
Now I am also
pooped.
All winter long, this male goat pooped.
All day long today, I scooped.
My work is done, and now I'm home.
Now I am also
pooped.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lately
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord,
How then can anyone understand his own way?"
- Proverbs 20:24
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed."
- Proverbs 16:3
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
- Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses have helped me a lot to make sense of life and relax and take it as it comes, they are gems. But recently its occurred to me that maybe my life will make more sense if I focus it not on what it means for me, but on applying this life I've been given to what Jesus has intended it to accomplish.
In order to understand this, I need to learn about Jesus; who he was, what he taught, how he lived. It is so foundational to what I 'believe' but, admittedly, something I've been so far away from discovering all these years.
The more I learn about Jesus lately, the more I realize that there's a lot I've been missing. I love what God says about him through Isaiah:
"Look well at my handpicked servant,
I love him so much, take such delight in him.
I've placed my Spirit on him,
he'll decree justice to the nations.
But he won't yell, won't raise his voice;
there'll be no commotion in the streets.
He won't walk over anyone's feelings,
he won't push you into a corner.
Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even
among far-off unbelievers"
- Matthew 12:18-21 (Message Version)
Biblegateway.com's verse of the day seems especially appropriate as a conclusion to this thought:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8
May we all continually be learning and loving more.
Peace.
How then can anyone understand his own way?"
- Proverbs 20:24
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed."
- Proverbs 16:3
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
- Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses have helped me a lot to make sense of life and relax and take it as it comes, they are gems. But recently its occurred to me that maybe my life will make more sense if I focus it not on what it means for me, but on applying this life I've been given to what Jesus has intended it to accomplish.
In order to understand this, I need to learn about Jesus; who he was, what he taught, how he lived. It is so foundational to what I 'believe' but, admittedly, something I've been so far away from discovering all these years.
The more I learn about Jesus lately, the more I realize that there's a lot I've been missing. I love what God says about him through Isaiah:
"Look well at my handpicked servant,
I love him so much, take such delight in him.
I've placed my Spirit on him,
he'll decree justice to the nations.
But he won't yell, won't raise his voice;
there'll be no commotion in the streets.
He won't walk over anyone's feelings,
he won't push you into a corner.
Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even
among far-off unbelievers"
- Matthew 12:18-21 (Message Version)
Biblegateway.com's verse of the day seems especially appropriate as a conclusion to this thought:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8
May we all continually be learning and loving more.
Peace.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Fun Fact #12
For a good bit of time before my vanilla soymilk days, I ate cereal with a fork to drain my every bite. Also, I prefer crust to the softer part of bread.
Amendment, 3.14.2012
Today we had a 'Saturday Morning Cartoon' themed movie night, with various cereals as our featured treat. After I returned from the kitchen, Riscilla held up the big spoon she had quickly chosen earlier; one with slots! She didn't realize she had chosen that one. I asked her if she didn't like milk :).
Also, I'm digging the unsweetened vanilla almond milk these days. Today at the store they only had sweetened. It's sweet.
Amendment, 3.14.2012
Today we had a 'Saturday Morning Cartoon' themed movie night, with various cereals as our featured treat. After I returned from the kitchen, Riscilla held up the big spoon she had quickly chosen earlier; one with slots! She didn't realize she had chosen that one. I asked her if she didn't like milk :).
Also, I'm digging the unsweetened vanilla almond milk these days. Today at the store they only had sweetened. It's sweet.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Officious Internship Record #2
Tuesday:
We toured the greenhouses (!) ['small' and big],
took a walk through the children's garden,
visited the very large compost heaps,
walked out to the pond (where I learned you can eat cattail!)
saw the bird blind,
buzzed by the bee boxes (they are fascinating,)
and took a little hike down the Hush Trail (an old apple orchard - turned - trail --
should be a neat spot to search for morels later on,) past the sugar shack and
back to the classroom where hot water and Christa's delicious apple cake were
waiting for us :).
After all the future guides left, I got to do a little more seeding! This time of:
- Red Russian Kale
- Spinach! [Very big seeds]
- Leek and
- Celery [VERY small seeds]
It was a good day.
In other news, only a couple of classes tomorrow and a few exams Monday and Wednesday and the quarter is d-o-n-e. Wowwee that was fast.
There are still a few minutes left in tonight so I'm going to enjoy them because they'll likely go quickly, too!
Peace :)
We toured the greenhouses (!) ['small' and big],
took a walk through the children's garden,
visited the very large compost heaps,
walked out to the pond (where I learned you can eat cattail!)
saw the bird blind,
buzzed by the bee boxes (they are fascinating,)
and took a little hike down the Hush Trail (an old apple orchard - turned - trail --
should be a neat spot to search for morels later on,) past the sugar shack and
back to the classroom where hot water and Christa's delicious apple cake were
waiting for us :).
After all the future guides left, I got to do a little more seeding! This time of:
- Red Russian Kale
- Spinach! [Very big seeds]
- Leek and
- Celery [VERY small seeds]
It was a good day.
In other news, only a couple of classes tomorrow and a few exams Monday and Wednesday and the quarter is d-o-n-e. Wowwee that was fast.
There are still a few minutes left in tonight so I'm going to enjoy them because they'll likely go quickly, too!
Peace :)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Officious Internship Record #1
This year I have the pleasure of spending the spring season out of classes and in the middle of nature's lessons. I figured it'd be fun to keep account of what goes on day-to-day so that I might look back and remember how everything has developed, including my own personal growth.
The 'first' day was a training day, during which we were introduced to the history of the land we will be serving, as well as some of its feature areas (greenhouses, some of the trail system, the vernal pool, barn and chicken coop) and fine animal inhabitants -- A few jersey cows (we climbed the fence to enter the pasture and found they were indeed very friendly, with no qualms about walking right up to us!), a mother milk cow and its calf, goats, a couple pigs and the guard llama. We also visited the chicken coop where we learned not only that there is dye in the egg tract which colors the egg as it passes through (neat!) but also that chickens LOVE greens of any kind. There are also a few audacious but loving cats.
After the training meeting was over I stayed to learn how they tap the maple trees for the sap that is used to evaporate into all of the delicious maple syrup they used at the festival this weekend! And also seeded some broccoli and brussels sprouts in the greenhouse connected to the classroom. I think it is my favorite area there so far.
This weekend we enjoyed good food and the company of good people at the festival, where so many volunteers helped the event flow really smoothly. I personally did a few demonstrations and cleaned more than a few plates. But happily! as it just meant that that many people were enjoying a good meal and a beautiful day and learning lots!
Next training day is Tuesday :).
The 'first' day was a training day, during which we were introduced to the history of the land we will be serving, as well as some of its feature areas (greenhouses, some of the trail system, the vernal pool, barn and chicken coop) and fine animal inhabitants -- A few jersey cows (we climbed the fence to enter the pasture and found they were indeed very friendly, with no qualms about walking right up to us!), a mother milk cow and its calf, goats, a couple pigs and the guard llama. We also visited the chicken coop where we learned not only that there is dye in the egg tract which colors the egg as it passes through (neat!) but also that chickens LOVE greens of any kind. There are also a few audacious but loving cats.
After the training meeting was over I stayed to learn how they tap the maple trees for the sap that is used to evaporate into all of the delicious maple syrup they used at the festival this weekend! And also seeded some broccoli and brussels sprouts in the greenhouse connected to the classroom. I think it is my favorite area there so far.
This weekend we enjoyed good food and the company of good people at the festival, where so many volunteers helped the event flow really smoothly. I personally did a few demonstrations and cleaned more than a few plates. But happily! as it just meant that that many people were enjoying a good meal and a beautiful day and learning lots!
Next training day is Tuesday :).
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Live, Dream, Hope, Trust, Plant Vegetables
In a recent [December 16th] entry I expressed my fairly newfound intrigue by and appreciation for agriculture, along with the wistful hope of perhaps pursuing that interest further by giving myself some time away from school to learn in a different context, say perhaps through Echo (echo echo) or wwoof-ing for a bit. I also hoped that might include working with animals -- like goats! -- and even learning how to make cheese.
Since then I joined wwoof, ended up going to a conference where Echo was one of the sponsors(!)
... and got an internship!
While this internship is not based in Ft. Myers Florida (like Echo), or extending to the rest of the continental US [slash world] (like wwoof), it is no more than thirty minutes from home, full of learning opportunities, and plentiful in farm animals and organic produce to care for. It is a great place to start, and is a step I believe has wonderful potential to prepare me for Ft. Myers. (And maybe even the world!)
... and they are offering a cheese-making class this spring.
:)
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
Live, that you may dream,
Dream, that you may hope,
Hope, that you may trust,
Trust, that you may find life
Since then I joined wwoof, ended up going to a conference where Echo was one of the sponsors(!)
... and got an internship!
While this internship is not based in Ft. Myers Florida (like Echo), or extending to the rest of the continental US [slash world] (like wwoof), it is no more than thirty minutes from home, full of learning opportunities, and plentiful in farm animals and organic produce to care for. It is a great place to start, and is a step I believe has wonderful potential to prepare me for Ft. Myers. (And maybe even the world!)
... and they are offering a cheese-making class this spring.
:)
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
Live, that you may dream,
Dream, that you may hope,
Hope, that you may trust,
Trust, that you may find life
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)