The Trenton Times published the following article on August 1, 2013. To read the full article, click here.
Trenton students awarded scholarships to learn about nature at Fernbrook Farms in Chesterfield
By Jenna Pizzi/The Times of Trenton
on August 01, 2013 at 6:40 AM, updated August 01, 2013 at 8:29 AMCHESTERFIELD — Knee deep in a tree-lined creek, Elijah Stovall and Kevin Nunez struggled to lift out a water-logged tree limb.
The two 9-year-olds from Trenton were collecting wood to help their group dam up the creek and submerge a tiny island at Fernbrook Farms, where they are attending summer camp this week. The two Washington Elementary School students are among six Trenton students attending the camp for free.
Teacher Allison Kohler, who coordinates school programs at Fernbrook, said she has seen many kids in Trenton who never really leave the city. The farm is a safe and open place for them to explore, she said.
“They don’t have the opportunity to interact with nature,” said teacher Doug Demeo, a Trenton resident.
The center awarded scholarships to 80 Trenton students this summer, giving the urban youths the opportunity to learn about the outdoors, life on the farm and nature. Elementary students who receive free and reduced-priced lunches were eligible for the scholarships.
During the school year, the center works with seven elementary schools in Trenton and schools elsewhere, integrating curriculum about the farm and food into their classes and bringing the students to Chesterfield for visits.
For more information about the nonprofit and the farm, visit FernbrookFarms.com.