Global Youth Service Day at the PEAS Farm

Everyone hopefully knows that this past Sunday was Earth Day, but I would be surprised if very many folks knew that this past weekend (April 20-22) was also Global Youth Service Day.  Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest and longest-running service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. It is celebrated each year in over 100 countries. It is a great opportunity for kids all over the world to get out and help make their communities a better place!
At the PEAS Farm we have celebrated Global Youth Service Day for the past 6 growing seasons with Rattlesnake Elementary School. Each year since 2007 most of the student body from Rattlesnake walks over to participate in a service project at the farm. In the past, we have made compost, planted beets, and pulled knapweed. This year was another year for us to work together to make compost, shoveling poop and layering it with straw to make what I call a giant compost cake! By the end of this week, almost 400 students will have helped out in this endeavor.

How does making compost make Missoula a better place you ask? Well, the compost we make with the students will be used next year as a natural fertilizer on our fields. It will help us grow big, healthy, delicious vegetables, many of which we donate to the Missoula Food Bank, helping to make sure all Missoulians have access to healthy, delicious vegetables grown right here in Missoula!

So, many thanks to the students, teachers, and parents from Rattlesnake Elementary for their help and hard work this week! You are the best!