Growing curiosity, one class at a time

Each spring, LARA invites Grade 6 classrooms to our Fort Kent Research Farm for a full day of hands-on learning in the Junior Gardeners Program. Students roll up their sleeves, get into the soil, and explore the science of growing while helping us plant our research gardens for the season.

A Living Outdoor Classroom

Our farm is an outdoor classroom where students can experience three different growing environments:

Greenhouse – Discover how we extend the growing season and protect plants from our changing climate.

No-till garden – See how undisturbed soils support biodiversity, moisture retention, and soil life.

Tilled garden – Compare how traditional tillage affects soil structure, plant growth, and the environment.

Throughout the day, students investigate plant growth, soil health, and the natural systems that sustain our food production. They explore real-world trade-offs in agriculture—such as energy use, pest management, and climate impacts—while comparing tilled and no-till systems to see how different practices affect plant roots and soil life.

Cost & Eligibility

Thanks to generous support from our municipal partners—the MD of Bonnyville, County of St. Paul, Smoky Lake County—and West Coast Seeds, the Junior Gardeners Program is FREE for all schools within our area.

Book your class for the Junior Gardeners Program today!