Local Girls Scout Troop & Lowe's Volunteers help at the Farm
October 29, 2018
By Denise Markut
Next Generation Gets Their Hands in the Soil!
The fall season has seen a lot of activity at the Ag Center from the next generation, as a local Girl Scout Troop and students from Southold Elementary spent time with us planting, building, planning and learning.
For the 7th year in a row, the 5th graders from the elementary school joined us for their annual farming day -- learning about our local farming history and digging potatoes.
"The program with the students from Southold Elementary is always a highlight of the spring and fall at the Ag Center," said Denise Markut, North Fork Stewardship Manager. "It's wonderful to connect with the kids and to see their joy and inquisitive natures as they tour the farm and use their five senses."
The program is a great way to connect the kids with the land and to develop their understanding of where their food comes from. And, that they can grow it themselves
Girl Scout Troop 94: Making a Difference
The Ag Center was also the proud recipient of a wonderful 3-part project by Girl Scout Troop 94. Members of Troop 94 shared in the responsibilities of the Take Action project, which is required to have a sustainable community impact and a service commitment of 50 hours per Scout.
The completion of the Take Action project enhances the ecological harmony and educational beauty of the Agricultural Center for future generations to experience and enjoy. For the project, the girls:
- installed a pollinator garden at the farm (with a detailed map of the plants),
- created an "art in nature" installation in the learning gardens, and
- designed and painted a 30-foot mural in the main barn with educational information on plant and fungi life cycles.
On September 30, the Scouts and their families celebrated their success with a Silver Award ceremony at the farm.
Thank you Troop 94 for making our world a little better and brighter!
Interested in volunteering at the Ag Center or bringing a school or community group for a visit or project at the farm? We'd love to have you! Contact Denise Markut, North Fork Stewardship Manager at 631.734.5630.
Volunteers From Lowe's Made a Big Difference at the Ag Center
We want to give a big shout out to Lowe's of Riverhead for another great volunteer work day this past week! Lowe's employees joined with the Trust's Stewardship Manager Denise Markut and Land Steward Brendan Minogue to help get the Ag Center ready for winter. The team planted spring flowering bulbs, pulled out invasive bamboo, cleaned up pruned branches along with several community garden beds, and provided a variety of supplies for the work day.
This dynamic team accomplished a lot -- thank you!
If you or your employer are interested in scheduling a corporate volunteer day with the Trust, contact Kathy Kennedy.
Denise Markut
Senior Manager of Stewardship
dmarkut@peconiclandtrust.org
Kathleen Kennedy
Senior Manager of Outreach
kkennedy@peconiclandtrust.org
Bridget Micieli-Martinez
Senior Marketing and Events Manager
bmartinez@peconiclandtrust.org