Meet the 2013-2014 Garden Team!

2013-2014 Orchard Garden Team: (top) Dr. Susan Gerofsky, Kwesi, Samira, Galen, Julia (bottom) Roz, Laura, Claire, Moon, Toni (Absent: Dr. Maja Krzic)

 We have a fantastic team of students from Land & Food Systems (Claire & Galen) and Education (Samira, Julia, Moon, Toni), as well as two recent graduates (Roz - BEd program, Laura - Ecology) on our Orchard Garden team this year.

If you would like to arrange a class visit to the garden, a directed studies, or want to learn more about our campus garden/outdoor classroom, please contact Samira at theorchardgarden.info@gmail.com.

The picture above was taken at our current garden site, behind the MacMillan Building. We are sadly saying goodbye to this garden (a student-directed outdoor classroom & urban gardening project since 2005) and moving to Totem Field.

Kids with Autism Benefit from Outdoor Classroom

Check out this interesting article and video about Outdoor Classrooms 

at The Toronto Star on-line newspaper

In a Toronto school a 4 year old preschooler, diagnosed with non-verbal Autism, shocked teachers and family by spelling his name with sticks while playing in an outdoor classroom!  His teacher is a firm believer that outdoor spaces can enhance learning and improve behavior, as she notes that she has never seen him or his peers so motivated or engaged, as when they are outdoors.

This is a great example of how outdoor classrooms spaces can be beneficial not only to the mainstream classrooms, but also to those with special needs.

Picture: The Toronto Star 

To view the full article click here