Discover This!

Brooke Sampson is a lifelong Watsonville resident. She began her career in the local non-profit sector as an AmeriCorps volunteer serving the Pajaro Valley community. Brooke has been active in the fight against local hunger over the past decade, serving as the Executive Director of Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes and the Chief Operations and Programs Officer for Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. She holds an M.S. in Community Development from UC Davis and a B.A. in Geography from UC Berkeley.

Brooke currently serves on the Board of Directors of Dientes Community Dental Clinic and volunteers with Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes’ hot lunch program and the Watsonville Public Library’s Opportunity to Read literacy program. She has been a member of Live Earth Farm’s CSA program the past couple years and is excited to support the LEFDP in providing dynamic nutrition and environmental education experiences to local children and their families.

Local Non-Profit Vying to Win One of Several $20,000, $10,000 and $1,000 Grants from the Certified Organic Seed and Food Company

WATSONVILLE, CA (March 31, 2015) – The Live Earth Farm Discovery Program has entered the Seeds of Change® Grant Program for an opportunity to win one of two $20,000, five $10,000 grants or ten $1,000 grants and is asking the community to get out and vote for their application. The Grant Program aims to enhance the environmental, economic and social well-being of gardens, farms and communities. The grants will be awarded to organizations that help support sustainable, community-based gardening and farming programs that focus on teaching people about the food they eat and how it’s grown.

Last month, the Seeds of Change® Grant Program accepted hundreds of applications from organizations and schools across the country. The Live Earth Farm Discovery Program submitted an application highlighting how they would use a Seeds of Change® Grant to grow their farm-based camp scholarship program and achieve their goals of of teaching awareness of where food comes from, the work and resources required to grow it, and the personal, environmental, and economic benefits of eating sustainably raised, local farm fresh produce.

[button link=”http://www.seedsofchangegrant.com/TheGallery.aspx/”]Vote Here, Vote Daily[/button]

From April 9 through April 20, the community can get out the vote and support local gardening and farming programs by visiting the Seeds of Change® website at www.seedsofchangegrant.com/TheGallery.aspx and searching “Discovery” to find the Discovery Garden at Live Earth Farm or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seedsofchange and voting once per day from each device. After voting closes on April 20, the top 50 organizations with the most votes will move on to the final judging phase. Around May 5, Seeds of Change® will announce the 34 grant recipients.

For more information about Seeds of Change® or the Seeds of Change® Grant Program, please visit www.seedsofchangegrant.com. Funding for the Seeds of Change® Grant Program comes from the 1% Fund, the company’s commitment to donate one percent of net sales to community-based nutrition and gardening programs. Residents can also follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #SeedsofChangeGrant.

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About the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program
The Live Earth Farm Discovery Program (LEFDP) is a farm-based education non-profit organization in Watsonville, California. LEFDP makes seed to mouth, farm to fork, and child to community connections through a variety of hands-on educational programs serving the youth of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Monterey counties and beyond. A special emphasis is placed on reaching under served people in the community to bolster individual, community and environmental health.

About Seeds of Change®
Seeds of Change® was founded in 1989 by passionate gardeners with a vision to make organically grown seeds available to gardeners and farmers, while preserving countless heirloom seed varieties in danger of being lost to the “advances” of modern industrial agriculture. For 26 years, we have remained true to our original vision by offering a wide selection of organic seeds including heirloom, traditional, and rare seeds. Our seeds are produced through a network of certified organic family farms and professional growers. Through these partnerships, we continually cultivate study and develop seeds with the goal of producing the finest certified organic varieties to share with our fellow gardeners and farmers. In 1997 our business expanded to also include Organic Food inspired by the notion that great taste and sustainability go hand in hand. We now offer a wide variety of Ready to Heat organic Rice and Grain varieties as well as organic cooking sauces. For more information about Seeds of Change® visitwww.seedsofchange.com for our seed products and www.seedsofchangefoods.com for our food products. For additional information, please contact us at the information provided above or at Seeds of Change®, P.O. Box 4908, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220.

Dear LEFDP Supporters,

I have entered our organization in the Seeds of Change® Grant Program. Seeds of Change® is an organic food and seed company that is committed to helping organizations across the country create healthier, more sustainable communities. In support of their mission, they are giving community-based gardening and farming programs an opportunity to receive $200,000 in funding, distributed through $20,000, $10,000 and $1,000 grants. I would like to ask for your help in supporting our submission during the public voting phase of the process.

To enter, we submitted an application through www.seedsofchangegrant.com where I explained how we would use the grant to achieve our organization’s goals of teaching awareness of where food comes from, the work and resources required to grow it, and the personal, environmental, and economic benefits of eating sustainably raised, local farm fresh produce. On April 9 at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the public begins voting for the applications that have been submitted. Each person has the opportunity to vote one time per day until April 20 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

[button link=”http://www.seedsofchangegrant.com/TheGallery.aspx”]Vote Here[/button]
search “Discovery” to vote for LEFDP’s Discovery Garden

Around April 23, the top 50 applications that receive the most votes will move on to the final judging phase. Around May 5, Seeds of Change® will announce which school programs and which organization programs will each receive one of the two $20,000 grants, the five $10,000 grants or the ten $1,000 grants. Seventeen schools and 17 organizations will be chosen.

This is a great opportunity for our community to rally behind our program and I hope you’ll help me get the word out through our social media and communication channels to encourage votes for our organization! And please vote yourselves as many days as you can during the April 9-20 campaign.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Your fearless leader
Jessica Ridgeway

On facebook: LEFDP
On Twitter: @LEFDP
On Pinterest: LEFDP
http://liveearthfarm.net/discovery-program/support-us/

It’s Time to Start Growing your Garden!

It’s that time of year again. Time to get your hands dirty in the garden. As you start prepping your garden for the summer, think about purchasing seeds from local seed vendor, Renee’s Garden. Not only will you receive top quality seeds and be supporting a local business, but part of the proceeds will be donated to the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program where we cultivate community connections to the land and food.

Simply go to www.reneesgarden.com and choose from the wide selection of seeds for heirloom and gourmet vegetables, cottage garden flowers and culinary herbs, special seed collections and great kitchen garden cookbooks.

At check out, just enter the code FR338A in the coupon code box on the checkout page,
and that’s it! Renee’s Garden will send a year-end check to the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program for 25% of all orders who use this fundraising code. Code expires December 31 each year.  This is a year-round, on-going fundraiser, so order regularly for summer, fall and holiday gifts. Spread the word to your friends and family!

A Note From Renee Shepherd

I am excited to be partnering with your organization to grow cash donations through our fundraising program. Here’s a little background about my seed company:

At Renee’s Garden, I offer only the varieties that are very special for home gardeners, based on great flavor, easy culture and exceptional garden performance. This seed line is my personal selection of time-tested heirlooms, the best international hybrids and fine open-pollinated varieties. I harvest and use the vegetables and herbs in my kitchen to choose the most delicious, and cut the flowers for bouquets to select the finest colors, forms and fragrances. Our varieties are tested and guaranteed for every major US climate zone.

Our individually written packets offer beautiful watercolor portraits, with personally written descriptions, complete growing instructions, a quick-view planting chart, growing tips, harvesting information and cooking ideas. Inside you’ll find superior quality seed–the top germinating, reliable seed usually reserved for specialty growers. Renee’s Garden is my practical way to spread the joy of gardening as a meaningful, productive and satisfying activity that connects us to each other and the earth. Please join me!

6060A Graham Hill Rd. Felton, CA 95018 www.reneesgarden.com

photo credit: Ruth Diaz

In 2015 we are offering three different camps during 5 one-week sessions.

Art on the Farm Camp
Session I: June 15-19, 2015
Session II: July 13-17, 2015

Farm to Table Camp
Only Session: June 22-26, 2015

Sprouts Camp
Session I: July 6-10, 2015
Session II: July 27-31, 2015

[button link=”http://liveearthfarm.net/discovery-program/programs/farm-camps/farm-camp-registration-and-payment/”]Register & Pay for Camp[/button]
[button link=”http://liveearthfarm.net/springfunddrive/”]Support Farm Camp Scholarships[/button]

Campers can expect to get their hands dirty while exploring pieces of Live Earth’s 150 acres in both organic vegetable row crop production and fruit orchards. In addition to learning about life as an organic vegetable farmer, campers will spend time getting to know our herd of goats, our milking cow, Bella, and visit with the chickens. Campers will assist in daily chores of our animals, while learning about the benefits of humane livestock management.

See our 2013 blog post about summer camp
5 Ways Summer Camp Helps Your Child Prepare for Adulthood, Todd Kestin – Huffington Post

Register and pay for camp

Scholarships are available. Please fill out and return this application.
Financial Assistance Application for 2015 Camps
10% discount for CSA members, returning campers, siblings, and coupon holders.

Leaders in Training

The Discovery Program is also looking for leaders-in-training 13 years + to help the education team each of the four weeks. This is a great way to build work experience with children, learn about life on a working farm, and fulfill community service requirements.
See our blog post on the LIT Program
Contact us to apply.

Art on the Farm Camp

Throughout the week campers will explore the wonders of nature through farming and artistic expression. Activities will include printing from natural materials, musical instrument making, working in the education demonstration garden, cheese making, felting and so much more! Each day we will harvest something from the garden to contribute to our sustainable picnic lunches! We are limiting participation to 20 kids between the ages of 6 and 12, so sign up today!

Although this summer camp will be a day-camp affair, we are also offering an optional Thursday night pizza-making camp-out and sleepover! This option is for campers who wish to carry the fun of daily farm life long into the night. Join us for cob oven baking, s’mores making, and a roaring fire. There is an additional cost for campers who choose to do the overnight, but the cost covers a farm fresh dinner, and breakfast in the morning. Don’t forget your sleeping bag!

A Sample Day of Art on the Farm Camp

9:00am   Welcome Games, Activities, and Opening Circle
9:30am   Activity One: Art – Natural Materials Weaving
10:30am   Farm Fresh Snack: Handpicking Blackberries
10:45am   Activity Two: Farming or Cooking – Milking the Goats
12:00pm   Lunch, Story Time, and Active Games
1:00pm   Activity Three: Art, Farming, and/or Cooking – Making Goat Cheese and Gift Packaging
2:15pm   Child’s Choice Project or Free Play
2:45pm   Closing Circle

Details

Age: 6 – 12
Group Size: limited to 20 children
Cost: The Early Bird rate of $300 is in effect until April 17, 2015.
• Normal rates beginning April 18, 2014, will be $350/camper for the full week (not including Thursday sleepover). Cost includes plenty of art supplies and a daily farm-fresh snack!
• There is an extra charge of $50/camper for the Thursday night sleepover.
• We are also offering scholarships to those most in need. Please contact us if interested.

Hours: 9am – 3pm Mon – Fri, plus the optional Thursday night camp-out sleepover.
Dates: June 15-19 & July 13-17, 2015

Register and pay for camp

Farm to Table Camp

Formerly known as “Young Farmers Camp”

At Farm to Table Camp, campers will spend the whole week learning about farming, food preparation and preservation through hands-on activities in our fields, Discovery Garden, and kitchen classroom. Kids who love food or never let a leafy green cross their lips will both enjoy exploring the processes of creating healthy and tasty meals beginning with a seed.

Details

Age: 6 – 12
Group Size: limited to 20 children
Cost: The Early Bird rate of $300 is in effect until April 17, 2015.
• Normal rates beginning April 18, 2015, will be $350/camper for the full week (not including Thursday sleepover). Cost includes plenty of farm and garden supplies and a daily farm-fresh snack!
• There is an extra charge of $50/camper for the Thursday night sleepover.
• We are also offering scholarships to those most in need. Please contact us if interested.

Hours: 9am – 3pm Mon – Fri, plus the optional Thursday night camp-out sleepover.
Dates: June 22-26

Register and pay for camp

Sprouts Camp

photo credit: Ruth Diaz

Our youngest campers will explore the farm through the five senses, learning to love getting dirty, eating fresh picked produce, and playing with the farm animals. Parents who chose to join them will learn a lot and have a blast witnessing the excitement a farm offers.

Details

Age: 3 – 6 with or without a parent
Group Size: limited to 20 children.
Cost: The Early Bird rate of $200 is in effect until April 17, 2015.
• Normal rates beginning April 18, 2015, will be $250/camper for the full week. Cost includes plenty of farm and garden supplies and a daily farm-fresh snack!
• We are also offering scholarships to those most in need. Please contact us if interested.

Hours: 9am – 12noon Mon – Fri
Dates: July 6-10, 2015 & July 27-31, 2015

For more information contact Peter Nelson at LEFDPeducation@gmail.com or call the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program office at (831) 728-2032.

Register and pay for camp

We love our volunteers and donors. We can’t do what we do without them. So lets have a party and say thank you!

If you are a volunteer or donor, you are invited.

Saturday March 7th at 2pm at the ‘Upper Farm’.
172 Litchfield Lane, Watsonville, 95076.

There will be snacks, pizza from the cob oven, drinks and desserts, as well as music DJ’d by Doug Dirt and inspiring tales of success on the farm.

Please RSVP to:
Peter Nelson
LEFDPeducation@gmail.com
831-728-2032

Overnight oats have long been one of my favorite breakfasts because they are easy, delicious, and it saves me time in the morning. Since citrus are in full swing right now, I thought this recipe would be great to brighten up the day and relieve some stress from those hectic mornings. Furthermore, this is an easy recipe kids of all ages can help with. They can juice the oranges, measure ingredients, pour and mix. They will love having ownership of their food and will enjoy eating their creation the next day.

Orange and Vanilla Overnight Oats
Serves one:

• ½ c. rolled oats
• 1 TBS chia seeds (optional)
• ½ c. orange juice
• ½ c. milk of choice (I used almond milk)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• toppings: pepitas, almonds, shredded coconut, orange segments

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour into a mason jar or other airtight container and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Add toppings right before eating.
Keeps for 3-5 days in the fridge.

This recipe is so flexible and interchangeable depending on the season. Mix it up and play around with different fruits and spices. Substitute orange juice for another juice or milk of choice. Add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger or cloves. Mix in some nut butter or seeds to create a hardier meal. Sweeten it up with maple syrup or local honey. I love adding some cocoa powder and making a rich, chocolaty afternoon pick me up.

Here are some of my favorite seasonal variations:
Spring:
½ c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut milk
1 c. diced Strawberries
1 TBS. chia seeds
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Summer:
½ c. rolled oats
½ c. almond milk
1 c. blackberry puree
1 TBS. chia seeds
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cardamom

Fall:
½ c. rolled oats
1 c. cow’s milk
1 c. baked cinnamon apples
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ tsp. cloves
¼ tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 TBS. maple syrup

Winter:
½ c. rolled oats
1 c. almond milk
½ c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 TBS. honey

Recipe adapted from Green Kitchen Stories

The variety of projects and creative output from the Wavecrest adolescent students is inspiring. Each week brings new accomplishments and progress.

Enjoy a piece of farm inspired poetry from Alec.

The Evils

I know a magical place

Where all can stay in peace

A place where one an observe nature at its purest

Where all is serene

Such a as a warm summers day

All is green and lush

All is strong and flourishes

All is for the beings who care

Not like those large factories

Who’s minds aren’t on the world

Who pollute us and kill us like a crop duster kills insects on a small farm

Their minds aren’t like ours

We protect our friends

We take care of our garden

We don’t just pretend

The progress of the landscaping project by the Field Studies group.

The Homeschool Program has been a huge success this season. Each month 50 kids and parents arrive on the farm for 3 hours of exploration, gardening, tasting, science and free play. Parents are enjoying the day just as much as the kids. In February we explored plant physiology and photosynthesis and “the 6 plant parts.” Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds! Each student created a unique 6 plant part burrito. The six plant part burrito is one of the best ways to introduce new foods to kids.  The students learn about the role each plant part plays in the life cycle of the plant. They go in search of each one, harvest, clean and prepare a burrito with a large leaf as the tortilla. Each burrito contains at least one leaf, fruit, flower, seed, stem, and root. It is such a joy to see young kids stuffing their faces with foods that they have likely never eaten before. Would you eat a collard green, kohlrabi, carrot, broccoli, apple, and radish seed pod burrito?

Our Homeschool Program is so successful there is a waiting list! Contact me if you would like to get on the list for next season 2015-2016 or for more information.

Peter Nelson
LEFDPeducation@gmail.com
831-728-2032

Growing and preparing sustainably farmed food supports healthy bodies, healthy ecosystems and healthy economies. One person’s day-to-day choices, even a child’s, can positively impact and support the health of our community.

The camps at Live Earth Farm provide an extended opportunity for campers to explore their relationship to food. They plant and tend the garden and fields; they milk the cow and goats; they collect eggs, experiencing the real work of growing food. They then take those raw ingredients and learn to prepare and preserve healthy snacks, developing skills that are lost to many. Through hands-on interaction with their food they learn the benefits of diversity in their diet and in the ecosystem.

Last summer 10-year-old Mauricio worked alongside much younger and smaller campers like Richard, harvesting very muddy carrots. He took great care to make sure that even the smallest campers had a taste, wiping the mud off on his own jeans to make the vibrant orange carrots more palatable to the less adventurous campers.

Disconnection from the food that nourishes us, and the land and labor required to make that happen plays a roll in problems like childhood obesity and diabetes that are prevalent in our local, schools, especially among underserved populations. This is why the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program aims to raise $5,000 this spring to provide financial aid for more than 12 students to reconnect at farm camp in 2015.

To help sponsor summer camp for students like Mauricio, please make the greatest donation you can to the LEFDP financial aid fund this spring. Every contribution of any amount makes a big difference. All donations made by February 27^th can be processed through the Monterey Peninsula Foundation Charity Match Program to add a 20% match. Please return the form enclosed with this letter with your check made out to MPF or make a secure donation online: http://liveearthfarm.net/discovery-program/support-us/

Help us support more campers in developing healthier habits and healthier lifestyles through good food and outdoor play at camp this year. Together we can make a difference for underserved young people living in the Pajaro Valley and beyond.