A Farm That Teaches Differently
What makes a farm truly stand out?
At Medway Community Farm, it’s not just what they grow—it’s what they teach.
In this continuation of The Agri-Tourist Podcast conversation episode 97, we go deeper into one of the most unique aspects of the farm: an education model that goes far beyond the typical field trip. Through conversations with both Board Director Tina Wright and Education Director Marlee Blasenheim, what emerges is a layered, evolving system of learning that connects people to food, land, and each other—over time.
And that’s the key difference.
This isn’t a one-time experience.
It’s a journey.
Building an Education Program from the Ground Up
What’s remarkable is that this robust program didn’t always exist.
“About four or five years ago, we really didn’t have an education program… and that was an area that I really felt we could improve.”
What started as a gap quickly became an opportunity. With leadership, grants, and the addition of a dedicated education director, the farm began to intentionally build something much bigger.
Today, education at Medway isn’t a side offering—it’s a core function of the farm.
More Than Farming: A Broader Definition of Education
One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is how Medway defines education.
“It’s not just the farm… it’s the woods, the water… getting people connected to healthy outdoor activities and healthy food.”
This expands the idea of farm education into something more holistic:
- Environmental awareness
- Outdoor exploration
- Food literacy
- Community engagement
It’s not just about how to grow food—it’s about understanding the system around it.
A True Continuum: Learning That Grows with the Child
What truly sets Medway apart is its progressive, multi-year education model.
Rather than isolated experiences, students engage with the farm at different stages:
- K–1: Outdoor exploration and sensory learning
- Grades 2–3: Hands-on growing in school garden beds
- Grade 4: Full farm immersion—planting, maintaining, and harvesting
“It’s just amazing to see the growth in the second graders… in that 10-week period.”
By the time students reach fourth grade, they’re not just visitors—they’re participants with context and confidence.
And that continuity is rare.
“A lot of programs are… a single one-off field trip… but here it builds year after year.”
Learning by Doing: The Power of Experiential Education
At the heart of Medway’s approach is experiential learning.
Students don’t just hear about farming—they:
- Plant seeds
- Monitor growth
- Harvest crops
- Explore ecosystems
- Engage with soil, bees, and biodiversity
“The tactile work of gardening… is a really wonderful way to teach math, science, history.”
This hands-on approach creates deeper understanding—and lasting impact.
Extending Beyond Kids: A Whole-Community Model
What makes this program even more unique is that it doesn’t stop with children.
Medway is intentionally expanding education to:
- Adults (gardening workshops, seasonal classes)
- Families (multi-generational engagement)
- Teens (internships and advanced learning opportunities)
“I love being able to grow food… but I love even more being able to teach my community how to grow food.”
This creates a full-circle model—where education becomes embedded across the entire community.
Innovation and Growth: What’s Next
With a strong foundation in place, the program continues to evolve.
New initiatives include:
- Seasonal gardening workshops for adults
- Beekeeping education and youth programming
- Expanded after-school opportunities
- Future cooking and food-preparation classes
“Whatever you want to do… go for it.”
That flexibility—and willingness to innovate—is what keeps the program dynamic
A Model for the Future of Farm Education
What Medway Community Farm has built is more than a program—it’s a model.
A model that shows:
- Education can be integrated, not occasional
- Farms can serve as classrooms
- Learning can evolve over time
- Community can be built through shared experience
And perhaps most importantly—it shows what’s possible when a farm commits to teaching, not just growing.
Because when you connect people to food in this way, you’re not just educating…
You’re shaping how they see the world.
Click here to listen to the full Agri-Tourist Podcast episode 99 with Medway Community Farm.