by Diane Diffenderfer, Education Director

There are many harbingers of the start of our summer share pick-ups.  A quick walk down either farm road brings many to the fore:  kale pushing up through the row 

covers, row after row of beautiful greens (and reds), the feathery carrot tops and transplants lining the fields.  This week I was lucky enough to be shown 2 more sure signs that soon our farms will be filled with happy faces coming to select their weekly veggies.  Jenny showed me 2 robin nests at Horsham.  The first had 4 baby birds, just a few days old.  The second, nestled in between the strong, steel tractor skeleton gently held 3 blue eggs.  Jenny's been watching them, making sure they're okay.

And, what a pleasure to have kids at The Highlands this week!  Two classes from a local Montessori came back for a visit and had lunch under the EC canopy.  With help some a few volunteers and cameo appearances by several of the farm staff, the kids had a fun morning.  Each child left w a self-made Rotbot (personal composter).  Here's the link if you're so inclined Make your own rotbot.  Each group of kids also make a grow box, filled with beautiful year-old compost and new seedlings.  The grow boxes will be added to the school's garden.  The final activity focused on the importance of honeybees.  I showed the kids basic beekeeping tools, talked about the honey stomach and with the help of an observation hive, each child had a chance to safely examine a frame of honeybees.

All in all, a wonderful week!  Hope yours was equally satisfying.