written by Eastie Farm Climate Corps Fellow, Ilaria Moore
On Monday, Eastie Farm welcomed a group of 5th graders from Curtis Guild Elementary School in East Boston. Their visit was inspired by a book they’ve been reading in class called Seedfolks, which tells the story of a diverse group of community members who come together to transform an abandoned, trash-filled lot into a thriving garden. It’s a story of collaboration, growth, and community—and a story that, well, Eastie Farm unintentionally replicated! The parallels between Seedfolks and Eastie Farm are undeniable. Just like in the book, Eastie Farm came together and transformed an unused space into a source of food and beauty. The students arrived with a curiosity and excitement to get their hands dirty and experience firsthand the power of community-based farming.
During their visit, a few fellows including myself, guided the students through several activities that connected them to the plants and the earth. One of the main projects was transplanting Silver Inchworm Plants. After giving them a step by step guide on how to move the plants, each student had the chance to carefully transfer the seedlings into new pots, learning how to handle the delicate roots and give them the best chance to thrive. The best part? They got to take these plants home, carrying with them a little piece of the farm’s mission to nurture and grow. Fellows also assisted the students in harvesting fresh basil, teaching the students about the importance of timing in gardening. Harvesting herbs at the right moment not only gives you the best flavors but also encourages the plant to actually grow more. They loved getting to see and smell the basil up close, learning how fresh food tastes when grown sustainably.
I had the privilege of working alongside my fellow Climate Corps Fellows during this visit. Together, we guided the students through each step, answering their questions and sharing our passion for sustainable agriculture. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the light bulbs go off in their heads when they make the connection between the work we’re doing and the stories they’re reading, or when they realize that they, too, have the power to create change in their communities. Personally, I spent a lot of time with one group, focusing on the transplanting process. Watching the kids carefully handle the seedlings and show such care and patience was inspiring. It reminded me why this work is so important, not just for the immediate environmental benefits, but for planting the seeds of awareness and responsibility in the next generation. Engaging with students like the Curtis Guild 5th graders is at the heart of what makes Eastie Farm so special. It’s about more than just growing plants; it’s about growing community, awareness, and responsibility. These hands-on experiences teach children that they have the power to care for the earth, and in doing so, they can also care for each other. There were so many moments during the visit where the kids were fully immersed in the work, asking thoughtful questions and genuinely wanting to understand how they could be part of something bigger. It was a day filled with hope for the future, proof that the seeds we plant, both literally and figuratively, have the potential to grow into something beautiful. As the students left with their Silver Inch Worm Plants in hand, I couldn’t help but feel that we’d made a lasting impact.
These small moments of connection between people and plants, between students and their community are what make Eastie Farm a powerful force for good.
