On April 4, 2026, Asawana Farms had the great honor of welcoming 24 Environmental Studies students from the Edmund Burke School in Washington, DC for a day of volunteering, learning, and hands-on farm experience. Joining the students were Principal Mr. Steve McManus, Ms. Addie Helmke, High School Science Teacher, and Ms. Kamilah Souvenir, Director of Civic Engagement, Health, Values, & Ethics Teacher. Their visit was not just a field trip. It was a meaningful day of education, service, and connection to the land.
At Asawana Farms, we believe that one of the most important lessons young people can learn is where their food comes from and how healthy soil produces healthy communities. That is why it was such a joy to host a group of students eager to step outside the classroom and experience agriculture firsthand. Their visit centered on a key topic that lies at the heart of our farming work: soil health. We wanted the students to understand the kinds of soils and compost we use, why we use them, and how those choices affect plant health, food quality, and long-term sustainability.
The day began with a guided tour of the farm. We started at our compost-making area, where students learned about the importance of compost in building living soil. They were introduced to the materials that go into our composting system and how compost helps improve soil structure, supports microbial life, and provides nutrients in a natural way. For many students, this was one of the first times they were able to see how something as simple as organic matter can become the foundation for healthy food production.
From there, the group moved on to our greenhouse, where we nurse young seedlings and prepare plants for the growing season. The students saw how seeds are started and cared for before being transplanted into the field. They also visited our walk-in cooler, where harvested produce is stored to maintain freshness and quality, and our high tunnel, where we grow crops to extend the season and protect plants from unfavorable weather. Each stop on the tour helped connect the dots between planning, production, harvest, and post-harvest care.
Of course, no visit to Asawana Farms is complete without learning about our broader mission of Food as Medicine. As students toured the farm, they were introduced to the idea that agriculture is not only about growing food, but also about supporting health and wellness. They had the opportunity to taste one of our signature crops, bitter leaf, which is a powerful teaching tool on the farm. Bitter leaf often leaves a strong first impression, but it also opens the door to important conversations about traditional food knowledge, healing foods, and the role of culturally meaningful crops in promoting community health.
The students learned about the medicinal importance of bitter leaf, including its role in supporting blood sugar regulation, and were also introduced to other crops we grow at Asawana Farms, including bitter melon, moringa, okra, and waterleaf. These crops are not only nutritious, but also deeply rooted in the food traditions of many communities around the world. Sharing this knowledge with students is part of our commitment to helping the next generation understand that food can nourish the body, preserve culture, and strengthen communities all at once.
After the educational tour, it was time for the students to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They were divided into groups and assigned real farm tasks. Some students helped spread compost on planting beds in preparation for the growing season, while others worked on weeding grass and helping tidy production areas. This hands-on portion of the day was especially important because it allowed the students to move from observation to participation. Farming is learned not only by seeing, but also by doing. By actively contributing to the work of the farm, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the labor, care, and intention that go into growing healthy food.
We were also grateful to have the support of Foresters Financial, whose team members helped us coordinate the large group, record student names, and guide participants throughout the day’s activities. Their assistance helped make the visit organized, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What stood out most about the day was the students’ curiosity, energy, and willingness to learn. They asked thoughtful questions, engaged deeply with the farm tour, and embraced the physical work of volunteering with enthusiasm. It was clear that they were not only interested in completing a service activity, but also in understanding the deeper meaning behind the work. They came to learn about farming, soil, and compost, but they also left with a broader understanding of health, sustainability, and community responsibility.
At Asawana Farms, we see visits like this as part of a larger mission. We are committed to educating the next generation, not only about agriculture, but also about the relationship between food, health, culture, and the environment. In a time when many young people are increasingly disconnected from the sources of their food, opportunities like this matter. They help students reconnect with the land, appreciate the value of healthy soil, and begin to see farming as a powerful tool for wellness and community change.
We are deeply thankful to the students, teachers, and leadership of the Edmund Burke School for spending the day with us. We are also grateful for everyone who helped make the visit a success. It was a beautiful reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to learn directly from the land, they gain lessons that will stay with them for life.
This is what Asawana Farms is all about: teaching people where their food comes from, showing them the power of healthy soil, and inspiring them to grow their own food for healthier lives and stronger communities.
Thank you, Edmund Burke School, for visiting Asawana Farms. We were honored to host you, and we hope this experience continues to grow in each student long after the day ended.