Find out how North Carolinians used to live on the farm. Meet our heritage breed animals, see sustainable agriculture in action in our garden and farm (no modern chemicals here!) and learn about early farm life through storytelling. Participate in some of the farm activities of children a century ago. (NCSCOS Social Studies Standards: 4th-Goal 1.04, 1.05, 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 5.02)

In this program, students will study the food chain from garden to plate. They will have the opportunity to make and eat some of their very own food creations. Students will learn that our food comes from plants and about the different parts of the plants that we eat. Plants are yummy and healthy for us too! (NCSCOS Science Standards: 4^th-Goal 4)

Our earth’s forests are being depleted faster than they are being replenished. Deforestation is a major environmental issue as cities and roads have been built in areas that were once home to thriving forest ecosystems. This impacts not only the trees and plants, but also the wildlife that depend on the forest for their food. Our Forests Forever program teaches about the importance of forests. Students identify over a dozen items we use every day that come from our forests. They will also recieve their very own pine tree sapling to take home to plant. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 3^rd-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1; 6^th-Goal 7)

Did you know that flowers are not only pretty but they often hold the seeds of a plant! Seeds are amazing! A 100 foot tall tree grows from a tiny seed! Take a walk through the woods to find seeds of all sorts. Discuss different species of flowering plants and dissect a flower to find seeds that are hidden inside. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 1^st-Goal 1; 3^rd-Goal 1)

"Variety is the spice of life" - that old saying is a good way to describe biodiversity. In our gardens at Chestnut Ridge, we encourage biodiversity of plant life as part of our practice of sustainable agriculture. Through engaging activities and games, students can learn about the importance of plant biodiversity to the health of our planet and the food that we eat. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 3^rd-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1)