Learning at Isle of Sky Nursery
Cooper examines pepper seeds for quality. Pocket microscopes are an essential tool for students to carry in their field packs.
Making a change
Youth education has been an important part of Isle of Sky Nursery & Farm since the beginning 18 years ago.
The future careers young people can successfully prepare for involve sustainable technologies now being used here at the nursery. Early exposure and hands-on experience allows young people to become aware of educational and career options not often promoted in current school curriculum.
We started the work/study program at the Nursery in the hope that we can make some small difference in the future of the youth who find their way to Isle of Sky. Students gain exposure and experience in several areas including pruning, propagation, plant physiology and health, soil science, entomology, alternative energy, hydrology, tool use and care, social skills, culinary arts (garden to table) and horse skills and care.
In addition, they learn something of time management and develop organization skills and more. All time spent at the Nursery goes toward completely focusing on each day's projects as there is no internet or cell phone reception deep in White Oaks Canyon. Without those electronic distractions, their minds are able, indeed, required, to fully engage in creative thought.
“When a nursery customer says “Keep the change,” we don’t.
It gets passed on to really “make a change.”
Thank you to all of you who make this possible for us to do!
You know who you are!”