Field Trips at Fertile Earth
Program Overview: "The Circle of Soil"
Our 4-hour program moves beyond a simple tour. We guide students through the biology of the Red Wiggler worm, the chemistry of aerobic composting, and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Proposed Itinerary
Start times and most program details are negotiable. Fertile Earth is happy to accommodate your school’s needs whenever possible—including arrival time, schedule pacing, and other details.
- 9:30 AM: Arrival & “The Science of Decay” intro
- 10:00 AM: Farm Tour: windrows, decomposition stages, and soil health
- 11:30 AM: Lunch (students bring their own lunch)
- 12:00 PM: “Meet the Worms” Lab: anatomy and ecosystem roles
- 12:30 PM: Hands-on Planting Workshop: from food waste to food source (community garden)
- 1:05 PM: Wrap-up & departure
Pricing
To cover the extended duration and workshop materials (students take home their own planted seedling), we are offering the following rates:
- Field trips cost $15 (grades 1–6) and $18 (grades 7–12).
- Minimum of 20 students per field trip.
- Chaperones are complimentary. Grades 1–6 require one chaperone per 8 students; grades 7–12 require one chaperone per 15 students.
- Season runs December 1 through May 15.
Rain & Inclement Weather Policy
Fertile Earth field trips take place outdoors, and a little rain is part of the farm experience!
Light Rain
Field trips will generally proceed as scheduled during light rain. Students should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Heavy Rain or Severe Weather
In the event of heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, or other unsafe conditions, Fertile Earth reserves the right to postpone or cancel a field trip to ensure everyone’s safety.
Weather Decisions
Fertile Earth will review weather conditions the afternoon before each scheduled field trip. If severe weather is anticipated, we will notify the school by 5:00 PM the day before whenever possible. A final decision will be communicated no later than 7:00 AM on the morning of the field trip, except when unexpected weather develops afterward.
School-Initiated Postponements
Schools wishing to reschedule due to anticipated weather should contact Fertile Earth by 3:00 PM on the preceding business day, whenever possible.
Rescheduling
If Fertile Earth cancels a field trip due to unsafe weather, schools may reschedule at no additional charge, subject to availability. We ask that schools select a new date within 30 days of the original visit, although the actual field trip may take place later.
Unexpected Weather During a Visit
If conditions become unsafe after a field trip has begun, activities may be paused, modified, or ended early at the discretion of Fertile Earth staff.
Q&A
- Do you have an age limit?
- The program is designed for grades 1–12.
- Is there a minimum and a max capacity?
- Yes. Minimum 20 students. Maximum 80 students.
- Are the prices online in addition to tax?
- Any applicable taxes are included.
- Do I need to collect payment?
- We will send you a payment link to share with parents, or you may collect for the group.
- Do you provide an invoice?
- Yes.
- Is it possible to start at a different time instead of 9:00?
- Yes. We will work with you to accommodate your needs.
- What do we do in the event that it rains the day of the event?
- See our full Rain & Inclement Weather Policy above. In short: light rain usually proceeds; heavy rain or unsafe weather may lead to postponement or cancellation, with free rescheduling when Fertile Earth cancels.
- How do I get started?
- Click the Plan a Field Trip button and complete the form. Let us know if you’d like to reserve a date, and we’ll follow up to confirm details.