Educators Are Bringing Agroforestry to the Classroom
Mike Smith and Megan Glenn, UNH Extension / NH Ag in the Classroom.
As interest in agroforestry grows quickly throughout New England, classroom teachers are eager to bring these ideas to their students. When and launched a new cohort of K-12 educators this fall, they hoped to recruit about 10 participants. Instead, about double that number applied, and the program was capped at 21 with a waitlist. For Megan, the enthusiasm reflects a clear trend of educators seeking to connect agriculture and sustainability with learning.
The cohort began in October with a two-day intensive at an organic farm in Hanover, NH. Co-led by , a Dartmouth agroforestry researcher and educator, and , a Dartmouth graduate student, the kickoff introduced agroforestry concepts and social dimensions of farming in the region. Teachers visited research plots, helped plant trees, interviewed farmers at the Norwich Farmers Market, and toured . According to Megan, educators shared a sense of belonging to larger efforts and their conversations sparked ideas they could adapt for their classrooms.
The cohort program continues throughout the year with field trips and workshops highlighting agroforestry in various contexts and at different scales. At in Bethlehem, educators explored sustainable Christmas tree farming and ecosystem management. In January, the will bring together educators from preschool through high school for networking and hands-on learning. Other trips include in Temple, the 鶹app organic dairy, and Beaver Brook and in Bedford, where plans for a food forest are underway. In May, the group will visit in Lowell, Massachusetts, to see how food forests thrive in urban spaces—a model that may be especially practical for schools.
K-12 classroom educators participate as a cohort in a two-day agroforestry learning intensive at farm and forestry sites in New Hampshire. Photos by Megan Glenn.
The goal is to increase agricultural literacy among youth and introduce agroforestry principles, research, and career pathways. Rather than following a set curriculum, teachers design experiences that fit their context, such as lessons, field trips, or even planting food forests on school grounds. With support from partners like , some educators are already exploring this possibility.
Building community is another priority. The overnight intensive gave teachers time to connect and share ideas, forming relationships that will last beyond the life of the grant. Megan sees this as essential because funding ends, but networks endure. “Ultimately, the community is the sustainable part of this work,” she explains. “If we can establish these ties, they will outlast the program funding.”
Field trips are open to the public, offering a way for educators who are curious about agroforestry to get involved. Plans are also underway for an online resource library featuring teacher-created materials. This first year is a pilot, but the enthusiasm from educators suggests a strong future for agroforestry education. It is about more than growing trees. It is about growing knowledge, community, and opportunities for the next generation.
Upcoming Opportunities for Educators and Community Members
- Maple Symposium (January): This event brings together educators from preschool through high school for networking and hands-on learning about maple sugaring and its role in sustainable agriculture. It is open to anyone interested in outdoor education and agricultural literacy.
- Ben’s Sugar Shack Field Trip (February): Participants will tour a working sugarhouse, learn about the history of maple production, and explore how traditional practices connect to modern sustainability efforts.
- Organic Dairy at UNH (March): This visit offers insight into sustainable dairy operations and research, providing ideas for classroom connections to food systems and environmental stewardship.
- Beaver Brook and Joppa Hill Educational Farm (April): Educators will see plans for a food forest and learn about design considerations for integrating agroforestry into educational spaces.
- Mill City Grows Urban Food Forest Tour (May): This trip highlights how food forests can thrive in urban settings, demonstrating that agroforestry is possible on a small scale and accessible for schools.
All events are open to educators and community members who want to learn more about agroforestry and sustainability. For details or to get involved, contact Megan Glenn at megan.glenn@unh.edu or 603-696-4020 or visit webpage.