It was a radio show of contrasts: The first half, I interviewed Mary Flodin, author of the new novel, Fruit of the Devil, described as an eco-thriller/romance/mystery. The story centers around a teacher who discovers that her school is being poisoned by fumigants used on the nearby strawberry fields. In this interview we talked about the real life story Mary lived as a teacher in the Pajaro Valley, and how she was moved to tell it through fiction and fantasy rather than produce another non-fiction expose.
Then we moved from kids being sickened by chemicals, to talking to some actual kids who have learned to love gardening and science through the Life Lab program, just celebrating 40 years. Neeli (12) and Quincy (10) tell us why they like gardening and eating the food they grow. Joining them are Abby, a Food Corps/Americorps member who is helping teach kids in Pajaro Valley. John Fischer, Director of Programs & Partnerships also joins the conversation
Life Lab, is a national leader in the garden-based learning movement. Through workshops and consultations, the program has provided tens of thousands of educators across the country with the inspiration and information necessary to engage young people in gardens and on farms. Their workshops and award-winning publications are the go-to resource for educators and families interested in engaging young people in gardens. At the Life Lab Garden Classroom educational center in Santa Cruz and the Blooming Classroom garden in Watsonville, the program promotes experiential learning for people of all ages through field trips, children’s camps, and teacher workshops.
