Organic
Gardening Programs
at Camp Stevens
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Camp Stevens's Garden Mission
• To serve as a sacred space for reflection, inspiration, education, and training
for those who visit.
• To preserve the biodiversity of
life, whose continuing decline threatens the health of our agricultural and
natural ecosystems.
• To provide an outdoor learning classroom
where children and adults become exposed to our native forests and a working
organic garden.
• To make a connection between the
complexity of the natural world and our role as nature’s caretakers.
• To supply fresh, organic food to
our kitchen.
In the garden, there are hundreds of varieties of plants, many of which are rare, heirloom types. In the greenhouse and coldframes, seeds are propagated and nurtured until planting time. The compost piles, created from food waste and other natural materials, contribute nutrients which are essential to building healthy soil. Evolving methods of French intensive hand-dug beds, chemical-free plant care, and permaculture principles demonstrate practical techniques for a variety of visitors.
The garden serves as an outdoor classroom for children in our summer camp program and 6th grade outdoor education programs. Adults also have the opportunity to learn in the garden during numerous Saturday and full weekend gardening workshops, or by joining garden tours and craft days when visiting for a weekend conference or retreat.
What Does Organic Mean? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), certified organic is generally defined as follows: - No substances prohibited by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) are applied (generally any synthetic substances with residual compounds) - Genetic engineering, irradiation, and sludge are not allowed - Soil fertility and crop nutrients managed by: Tillage and cultivation Cover crops