July Updates on the Farm
Sunshine, Soil, & Smiles
The Certificate Program is in full swing! Both cohorts are currently moving along through the curriculum and cohorts are slated to begin their 8 week management projects by Mid August where they will explore management areas such as Irrigation, Pest and Disease Management, Business Planning, Nutrient Management, and more. Also on the table for projects: exploring traditional and innovative soil and land management practices at Common Good City Farm. Students from both cohorts recently participated in a Honey Harvesting workshop led by Beekeeper Jan Day on July 6th and have attended field trips to local urban farms: the Well in Oxon Run and ECO City Farm in Bladensburg, MD. On July 27 both cohorts will travel to Forested in Bowie to gain exposure to Permaculture projects.
Summer Youth Employment programming
SYEP: Teen program is sprouting! This summer, Common Good City Farm will engage and employ 24-30 teenagers for a six-week program focused on youth development.
They will take part in a variety of activities including:
• farm operations
• entrepreneurial development
• production and sale of value-added products created from produce
• arts and creative projects
• employment skill building
• wellness activities
Some, but not all of our youth are funded by the District's SYEP program. To fulfill our commitment for have paid summer jobs for all 30 youth, we need to raise an additional $15,000.
Every $1300 allows us to cover the employment costs of 1 additional teen who was not able to enroll in the SYEP program. Every donation takes us a little closer to that goal.
We thank you in advance for considering a contribution that helps us create engaging and enriching opportunities for our community teens.