Agraria_Journal_Summer_2022

BY KAT CHRISTEN Learning on and from the Land 18 AGRARIA JOURNAL 2022 Historical and Global Context includes intellectual analysis and critical thought, exploration of historical and global trends, discussion of local and regional developments, focus on movements for change, and creative solutions at all scales. As the land greens, we humans and other life, sleepy eyed and groggy from winter’s lull, awaken with the land. At Agraria, we shake off the grog and breathe in spring, bringing awareness to abundant bird song, sprouting edible greens, and budding fruit trees. Remembering life is alive, we are ready to engage with the land and each other. At Agraria, this spring drew us onto the land with a fresh and ambitious set of programs, under the newly launched Land School, an educational umbrella to celebrate and include all elements of Agraria program offerings. Land School programs revolve around four general thematic areas: Deep observation and ecological awareness includes the Big Map Out for school-age kids, understanding bird language, identifying plants and animals, collecting data and using science tools, soil testing, and studying land over time. EMILY FOUBERT The discovery of a giant pond leech found in Jacoby Creek on Agraria by kids in Trekkers Camp turned into a lesson with Land School educator Kelly Hudson about detritivores, organisms that eat dead or decaying organic matter. They named the leech Bob. S C H O O L