October 2022
News and photos to update you all on what’s been happening around the Rock Creek farm.
Hello PCC friends and happy fall term!
I’d love to share some news and photos to update you all on what’s been happening around the Rock Creek farm.
In July, we offered our first ever ‘Teen Farm Camp’ through PCC Community Education. This was a week-long camp for kids ages twelve to seventeen. The campers got hands-on experience working with the farm’s horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens, and it was so enjoyable to see the kids connecting with the animals and each other! I am hoping to offer this camp again next year.
The farm is continuing its partnership with the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District (TSWCD) to make improvements to the pastures located around the Rock Creek campus. Most recently, TSWCD agreed to provide funding for a pasture restoration project with the six acres of grazing land located along Springville Road. The funding will allow us to use mechanical methods to remove invasive species. After the invasives are removed, we will utilize the farm animals through rotational and multi-species grazing to restore this area and make it productive, healthy land.
Currently, the farm is working on a new partnership with Washington County 4H, which is affiliated with OSU Extension. The 4H Youth Development program is the largest out-of-school youth program in the country, and provides kids with opportunities in programs such as STEM, robotics, leadership, and agriculture. The farm’s partnership with Washington County 4H will allow us to teach youth classes on agricultural topics and give kids experience working hands-on with farm animals.
It is great to see the campus open and full of students again! Last week, the new Veterinary Technology class came out to the farm for their first lab with the livestock. They learned how to perform physical exams on sheep, trim hooves, and vaccinate. It’s always fulfilling to watch students learn new skills and become more comfortable in a new environment.
Thanks for reading,
– Avery