- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Participants from near and far gathered at HAREC on November 1 for training on the 4-H Sustainable You! Summer Camp curriculum (grades 4-6) developed by Dr. Rosalyn Brain and colleagues from Utah State University. Educators from Kearney and Desert RECs, 4-H leaders from Riverside and Ventura Counties as well as local teachers, parents, and garden educators from various Ventura County school districts enjoyed a day of learning and hands-on activities.
Dr. Hayden-Smith, Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Leader and 4-H Youth, Family and Community Development Advisor, introduced the workshop and relayed staggering statistics on food waste. Recent research indicates that as a nation, we waste 40% of the food we produce. Americans throw out approximately $180 billion worth of food-an 8% increase since 2008-the last time the USDA calculated the total value of food loss from households, markets, and other food providers. She stressed the importance of starting the dialogue with youth and utilizing the activities from the Sustainable You! curriculum that center around food waste. She also reported that preliminary research conducted among youth participants at an HAREC program, the most significant behavior change as a result of education and intervention was seen in this area.
Chris Massa, 2014 REC summer intern, currently a Food Corps member based in Ventura helped lead the activities. The workshop, structured to simulate a camp setting, covered the five major areas of sustainability: land, air, food, energy, and water.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
HAREC supports Ventura County agriculture through research and education. Volunteers play a vital role in outreach efforts. We are on the hunt for volunteers to support 4-H youth development programs and activities at the Center.
Over 4800 youth benefited from programs at the REC in fiscal year 2013-2014. UC volunteers work alongside staff and make an impact in the community. Join a dedicated group of individuals that share a passion for agriculture, sustainability, nutrition, and natural resources....and also enjoy working and educating children in this diverse county.
Two informational meetings will be held in the Small Barn:
Wednesday, July 23rd, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. or
Thursday, July 24th, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Those interested are encouraged to call the office at 805-525-9293 ext. 206 or email awfaris@ucanr.edu by July 22nd. Walk-ins will also be welcomed! For more information and address of the Center visit our website.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
There are many sources of energy found on, and in the earth.
Day 4-Energy!
- What is renewable energy?
- What is non-renewable energy?
- What are the different forms of energy?
- Investigating solar and wind energy
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Water is one of the most important natural resources our planet provides. If Earth is about 71% water....then why are we caught short? So much to ponder on Day 3-Water!
- Where on Earth is the water?
- How do plants use water?
- Efficient water transport-is it necessary?
- What is a water treatment system?
- How can we conserve water?
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Enthusiatic campers returned for Day 2 which posed questions about Food!
- What is local food?
- What is a food mile?
- Why is buying local food important?
Campers also learned about product packaging and discussed how to make informed choices about packaging. Rounding out food day were other hands-on activities-harvesting farm fresh carrots and blood oranges, making orange juice for snack time, building garden boxes, and planting lettuce seeds to take home.