Education United States Project #4314

Connecting Children to Nature

by Inside the Outdoors Foundation

Project Report | Sep 22, 2020
Refurbished School Garden and Farm Offers Hands-on Learning

By Dawn Curtis | Manager, Grants and Volunteer Services

Garden Rebuild

The Ocean View School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late 2019 at Golden View Environmental Science School for the re-opening of its refurbished farm, which sits on a 2.5-acre site in Huntington Beach.

The event featured tours of the new and improved Golden View Farm, which provides students with multiple, hands-on learning opportunities. District officials say caring for living animals helps children understand life cycles, the reciprocity between animals and humans, and the importance of making responsible choices.

Inside the Outdoors Foundation worked with the school to provide funding and volunteers. including students, families, school administrators and Boeing employees, to rebuild the garden by adding new raised beds and native plants. Tending the garden allows students to plant, harvest and cook nutritious food using natural ingredients. Inside the Outdoors also offered Traveling Scientist programs on the 5 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Rot, Repurpose, and Recycle, where students learn how to be stewards of the environment.

Important upgrades made to the farm include new animal enclosures for sheep and goats, an outdoor exercise area for animals, hardscaping and new fencing.

“We are so proud of the Golden View Farm and the engaging, real-world experiences it provides our students,” District Superintendent Carol Hansen said. “The wonderful improvements that have been made ensure that both our students and animals thrive in a safe and conducive learning environment.”

Golden View Elementary students participate

Farm animal education

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