This summer, first through sixth graders in the Buncombe County Schools (BCS) Migrant Education Program (MEP) forged friendships and connections to the land through the weeklong Camp RIO.
The Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District teamed up with MEP to offer outdoor-focused activities like a birding and nature exploration walk, paddleboarding, and a trip to the WNC Nature Center. On June 28, the kids toured the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm, where they learned how the farm demonstrates sustainable growing techniques and supports the agricultural community.
“It shows in one setting, through experience, what these farming ideas actually look like,” said Farm Manager Chris Link. “They see the food production, wildlife, water quality, and a whole lot of other projects on site.”
Students learned about greenhouse growing techniques, tasted wild blackberries, saw highland cattle on the farm, learned about stream remediation, and more.
“It was amazing, the cows and the blackberries,” said Janessa, a rising third grader. “And we ate a flower [oxeye daisy]. It was so good.”
MEP is a federally funded program that assists migratory farm worker students in achieving academic success. In addition to school year and summer activities, MEP provides students and their families with tutoring, school supplies, help finding community resources, assistance with transferring school records, and more.
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Migrant Education Program Heads Outside
July 10, 2023