This week, our Summer Youth Apprentices had a variety of hands-on learning experiences. At the Farm, students harvested crops, assisted with CSA packs, and saved tomato seeds for future planting. They prepared sandwiches before heading out for a hike and beach lunch at Tennessee Valley, where they put their native plant identification skills to the test. Working alongside the farm and CSA crews, our youth helped prepare and distribute fresh produce bags for the community, making it a week full of learning and collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Watershed Program youth focused on plants and animals. They explored the creek to collect aquatic invertebrates and fish, gathered seeds from native plants on Albany Hill, and built seed aspirators from cardboard boxes to speed up seed processing. The week concluded with a hike through Huckleberry Regional Botanic Preserve to observe native plants unique to the Bay Area.
Tuesday, the UJIMA site went on its first field trip to Sea Trek in Sausalito, where they kayaked on Richardson Bay. Before getting on the water, they stretched and did a mindfulness activity, and during their time on the water, several apprentices overcame fears of being in large bodies of water and even encountered otters and seals. They kayaked to a nearby beach for lunch and games, gaining confidence and trying something new.
Additionally, the North Richmond Storytellers spent their last weeks together vision boarding and exploring local flower fields, celebrating creativity and community.
