Growing Connections: Spring Farm Field Trips Bring Learning to Life

Garden Education Program Impact

There’s something special about learning with your hands in the soil, sharing a meal together, and seeing where food comes from. This spring, Gabriola Elementary School students had the chance to do all of that through our annual Farm Field Trips—and what a memorable season it was.

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From kindergarten through Grade 6, students ventured beyond the classroom to explore three local farms, where curiosity, connection, and discovery were in full bloom. We are deeply grateful to Gabriola farmers Graham Bradley of Good Earth Farm, Lisa and Pollen Heath of Watercliff Permaculture Farm, and Stephen Levesque of Hidden Pond Permaculture Farm for once again opening their gates, sharing their knowledge, and welcoming students and PHC’s Garden Education team.

Each farm offered something unique. Students met chickens, ducks, lambs, and a few delightfully spunky farm cats. They planted trees enriched with fresh mushroom spawn, created beautiful cyanotype nature prints, and tucked bean seeds into the earth. Along the way, they asked thoughtful questions, got their hands dirty, and experienced the joy of learning through nature.

These field trips are about much more than gardening. They help children build relationships with the land, the people who grow our food, and one another. They spark curiosity, foster confidence, and create lasting memories rooted in community.

Meanwhile, our Grade 7 students spent the day at the Commons community kitchen with the PHC team and VIHA dietitian Taylor Hartwig, building practical food skills that they'll carry with them for years to come. Together they prepared frittatas, made granola from scratch, and blended fresh smoothies before gathering outside to enjoy the meal they had created together.

Cooking, sharing food, and sitting around the picnic table offered more than just nourishment—it created space for conversation, teamwork, and connection. These moments remind us that food has a remarkable way of bringing people together.

Experiences like these are only possible because of the generosity of our local farmers, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe that every child deserves opportunities to connect with healthy food and the natural world. Thank you for helping make this program possible.

If you'd like to be part of future food literacy, garden education, or community kitchen programs, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you have time to volunteer, skills to share, or simply want to learn more, there’s a place for you in this growing community.

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Get Involved

Want to make a difference in our community? We'd love to have you join us!

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering in the PHC gardens, please contact us at volunteer@phcgabriola.org or call 250-247-7311.

You can also support our work by making a financial donation through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/11348. Donations of tools, supplies, and other in-kind contributions are always appreciated and help our programs continue to grow.

Together, we can cultivate healthy gardens, stronger connections, and a more vibrant community.