At A Glance
What: The Philly Earth demonstration farm includes an earthship greenhouse with solar-powered aquaponics system; a cob pizza oven; an upcycle-built storage shed; and a chicken run. Teens run Philly Earth’s farm stand selling produce from their farm as well as farm-derived products including soaps, salsas, and pickled vegetables.
Why: PhillyEarth teaches young people how to care for the Earth beginning with their own community.
Who: Students ages 9-19. This program is open to both Village Industries and Impact Studios students.
How: Students spend class time outside on the farm, planting, weeding, building, and learning. Indoor class time may include cooking, pickling, and STEM learning. Past hands-on projects in Permaculture have covered vermiculture, soil mechanics, companion planting, and vertical gardening. Appropriate Technology workshops include solar food dehydration, rocket stove construction, pedal power generator design/build, and rainwater collection system design/build.
