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Nature Study: Why Skunks Are Good For Gardens!

As parents, we often teach our children to avoid certain creatures in the garden, like skunks, due to their pungent odor and reputation for mischief. However, what if I told you that these striped critters are actually unsung heroes in the garden ecosystem?  In this blog, we'll explore why skunks are beneficial for your garden and why they deserve our appreciation. Skunks as Gardeners 1. Natural Pest Control Skunks have a voracious appetite for many garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. They are especially fond of insects like beetles, grubs, caterpillars, and even small rodents like mice and voles. By preying on these pests, skunks help keep their populations in check, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides. 2. Soil Aeration Believe it or not, skunks are great gardeners! Their habit of digging for food helps aerate the soil, allowing oxygen and nutrients to penetrate deeper, which promotes healthier plant growth. Additionally, their digging can help expose a
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Agriculture for Young Kids!

Teaching young children about agriculture and the journey of our food is an important investment in their future. It not only instills a deep appreciation for the hard work of farmers but also cultivates healthy eating habits and a sense of environmental stewardship. 

We recently wrapped up Ontario Agriculture Week facilitated by Agscape with a Virtual Tour of a Dairy farm and it was so fascinating for the children to see just how much thought, planning, technology and logistics went into preparing the cow's milk that they enjoy daily. 

Here are some ways to engage young children in agricultural practices and plant the seeds of environmental stewardship:

1. Gardening
Starting a small garden at school or home is an excellent way to introduce kids to agriculture. They can learn about planting, watering, and caring for plants while witnessing the growth process.

2. Farm Visits
Field trips to local farms offer children a hands-on experience with animals, crops, and farm equipment. It's an opportunity to interact with farmers and ask questions. Virtual farm field trips are also a great way to get a behind the scenes look at farm operations and ask important questions. 

3. Cooking Adventures
Involve children in cooking meals using ingredients they've grown or learned about. This hands-on approach connects the dots between farming and food preparation.


A simple book about
a child growing stuff.


4. Storytelling and Books
There are plenty of children's books that focus on agriculture and food production. Reading and discussing these stories can make learning more engaging.




5. Educational Games and Activities
Utilize educational games, puzzles, and activities that teach about crops, animals, and the life cycle of plants. These can be both entertaining and informative.

@ a Pumpkin patch
6. Community Involvement
Encourage participation in community gardening projects or local food drives. This fosters a sense of responsibility towards their community and the environment.

Take Away

By making the learning experience fun and interactive, we can inspire the next generation to be more connected to their food sources and make informed choices for a sustainable future. 

So, let's sow the seeds of knowledge about agriculture and watch them grow into a healthier, more responsible generation.

Kids growing green onions for cooking.


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