This year marked Fernbrook Farm’s 5th annual Farm Run! On sunday September 24th, Fernbrook along with TCNJ Bonners and over 75 people from the surrounding community participated in a 5k farm run through Fernbrook’s 200 plus acres of land. The run was open to runners from ages 11 and up, through farm fields, forest, across a creek, and through the mud! Runners aged 6-10 ran the mini-mile through obstacles and more mud. The run is set up and cleaned up by a team of Bonners and Fernbrook farms volunteers. The day acts as a fundraiser to support the environmental education and camp programs that are run throughout the year at the farm.
Fernbrook Farm is an educational center dedicated to providing educational experiences within the environment. From their website, “Our mission is to provide hands–on educational experiences for all young people by exploring the complex interconnectedness of our natural world. Our purpose is to educate children about food, agriculture, and the environment. We believe people should make meaningful connections with our natural world in order to become responsible stewards of local and global sustainability.” The education center was formed in 2001 as a non-profit organization. It teaches year round programs to campers, homeschooled children, public and private school kids, scout groups, hosts field trips, and many more. They truly believe that an environmental education should be achieved through this hands-on experience where people of all ages are put directly into the ecosystems that exist on the property to learn from viewing and experiencing nature first-hand. The center provides and supports student and adult learning through their many events and classes, camps, and programs. To learn more about the farm and its educational center, check out their website and Facebook (links provided at end of article). Keep an eye out for future events this fall, like their Halloween event “Not so scary”, and consider participating/donating to next year’s farm run! TCNJ’s Bonner institute has been working closely with Fernbrook Farms educational center for more than 4 years now. Many Bonners, TCNJ students, and B-vols complete hours at this incredible site. The environment division continues to learn and find inspiration in everything Fernbrook does. Consider volunteering at Fernbrook through the Bonner Institute!
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks” -John Muir
Website:
www.fernbrookeducation.org
Facebook: