Orchard Valley's Grace Farm Campus sprawls over a picturesque 55 acres, embracing a rich tapestry of natural landscapes. Here, you'll find lush orchards, vibrant gardens, diverse fields and forests, meandering rocky streams, and the tranquil Kingsbury Branch of the Winooski River. This idyllic setting is home to a vibrant array of plant and animal species, each finding their refuge within the hidden corners of this remarkable expanse. It's the perfect fertile ground for our On the Land program to thrive!
Our current focus within the On the Land program is to forge a connection with the natural world through hands-on, experiential activities primarily in the untamed corners of Grace Farm.
We believe that true bonding with nature comes from active participation, from getting our hands in the soil, rather than observing the world from a distant, detached perspective. Our approach involves engaging students in nature-based games, where they discover the intricacies of ecosystems by becoming part of the ecosystem itself through interactive play. We also immerse ourselves in games designed to heighten our senses, enabling us to observe more keenly as we traverse the forest with heightened awareness.
Furthermore, students learn the art of crafting practical items like spoons and bowls, using natural materials sourced directly from the land, reinforcing the concept that nature provides all we need to sustain ourselves. Traditional bushcraft skills like carving, knot-tying, fire-making, shelter construction, and open-fire cooking are taught, fostering a sense of comfort and belonging in the wilderness. The rich diversity of flora and fauna on our campus offers abundant opportunities to sharpen our naturalist skills, including tracking and deciphering bird language. By acquainting ourselves with our wild neighbors, we shift our perspective away from the human-centered world towards a broader, interconnected community of life.
The land generously offers a wealth of edible and medicinal plants, which we utilize and tend to for nourishment and healing. Beneath all our experiences in the On the Land program lies a profound understanding: the Earth, our lifeline, deserves our diligent care and stewardship. We seize every chance to nurture the land in ways that sustain the rich tapestry of life coexisting with us on Grace Farm campus.
