August 12, 2009

The Local Food Hub has established an educational farm so people can get their hands dirty and learn lessons about local growing. Wednesday, it was the site of a scarecrow raising.

The Local Food Hub is also planning a garden bug identification class, a seed spitting contest, and after-school farm trips. They are hoping to plant the seeds of knowledge at this learning farm, so that local growers and consumers can reap the rewards.

"We have work days, we have volunteer orientation, we have some basic education about farms for the general public and we also use it to get kids out on farms and engage them in our agricultural heritage," said Marissa Vrooman, of the Local Food Hub.

Kids from the Orange County Boys & Girls Club worked with volunteers to build scarecrows. Some searched for the perfect spot, while others assembled the parts and pieces to bring the scarecrows to life.

"Scarecrows are a great way to deter deer and there are a lot of deer pressure in the area. It's also a great way to deter crows or any other critters that may come around so they think that they see a person," said Vrooman.

They may not realize it, but by building scarecrows, these kids are protecting their food supply.

"They make the food we eat, so it's really really important. Like that commercial that says save Virginia farms, I want to do that," said Orange Co. Boys & Girls Club member, Connor Fenwick.

The landowner of a Louisa County farm donated several acres to the Local Food Hub for education and community outreach. It is all part of a non-profit effort to help farmers and people who eat.

Food from this farm is destined for local outlets, including schools. And as this farm proves, not all education happens in the classroom.