Montezuma School to Farm Project

A nonprofit organization

Our approach to garden education helps students learn the importance of food systems, resource conservation and connects their knowledge through hands-on experiences.

 What Students think of Garden Class...

"I'm usually a really picky eater, but I will eat anything that's from the garden." - 5th grade student from Dolores  

"This is more fun than recess!" - 3rd grade student from Cortez whilst sifting soil!

"I've always wanted to have a garden at home, I'm so glad that I get to come work in this one." - 2nd grade student from Mancos

"Where can I buy garden gloves? I want to put some in my backpack so I can help you guys in the garden at every recess." -  3rd grade student from Dolores whist weeding 
 
 "I want to bring food home to my family from the garden so we eat fruits instead of candy." - 2nd grade student from Cortez 

"I have only been here two and a half months, so I only had two classes, but my favorite class was the one we had today. I really liked the taste testing and looking for bugs. Best teachers, p.s. don't tell the other classes or teachers ever. - 3rd grade student from Mancos


What Teachers think of Garden Class...

"The benefits of garden class include better cross-curricular connections, more engagement with nature at recess, more excitement for being healthy and an overall better connection to nature. " - 4th grade teacher from Cortez

"Garden class is the easiest class to get all kids engaged. I've had incredibly high behaviors be sucked into lessons. I've had five different life skills students stay completely regulated and engaged in almost every single lesson. It's heartwarming and inspiring." - 3rd grade teacher from Cortez

"The school garden provides teachers with a wonderful outdoor classroom. This environment, as well as the hands-on learning provided by the garden staff, engages students who do not regularly engage in a traditional classroom."  - Middle School Teacher from Montezuma County

"One of my students doesn't really do anything in class, not because of want, but because of his disability and he LOVES garden. The ladies asked him to create a seedling out of random stuff and how would that seed stick or spread. He did the best job of them all. "  - 5th grade teacher from Mancos 


Mission

The Montezuma School to Farm Project unites our local agricultural heritage with our growing future by engaging students at the crossroads of food production, resource conservation, and nutrition through educational experiences.

Background Statement

Starting in 2009 as a project of the Mancos Conservation District, the Montezuma School to Farm Project (MSTFP), began with a farm field trip for 40 Mancos students. Since those barn doors first opened to local kids, the program has grown to incorporate school garden programs in each school district across Montezuma County, a production market garden that provides over 5000 lbs of fresh produce to students and community members, and a regionally centered curriculum for more than 1,500 students every month.

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Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Montezuma School to Farm Project

other names

MSTFP

Year Established

2020

Tax id (EIN)

84-4298006

Category

Education, Food, Agriculture & Nutrition, Youth Development

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

202 W NORTH ST
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Headquarters

30 North Beech Street unit B
Cortez, CO 81321

Service areas

Montezuma County, CO, US

Phone

970-317-4808