91亚色

Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change

Digging In: FH Education Students Celebrate Earth Day at Maloca Community Garden

Posted on 5 May 2025

Written By Brittany Giglio

MaLoca Community Garden welcome sign
A vibrant welcome sign under the garden shelter sets the tone for community and connection.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 24, 2025, 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC), in collaboration with the Maloca Community Gardens, welcomed a group of enthusiastic Grade 10 students from FH Education (Future & Hope) for an immersive and hands-on gardening experience.

The event, titled 鈥淒ig at Maloca Community Garden,鈥 aimed to deepen students鈥 understanding of sustainable practices, ecological stewardship, and the interconnectedness of community and environment.

This experiential learning opportunity directly supported curriculum expectations from the English as a Second Language course at FH Education, offering students the chance to enhance language development through authentic, real-world engagement.

As English teacher Lara Cerqueira shared,

鈥淲e brought our classroom here today and had so much fun! We learned about gardening and how to do proper soil work. We also talked about how the whole community can make use of the gardening space and exchange knowledge about soil, as well as Indigenous Peoples and their connection with the land. I hope we can come again to learn more.鈥

The experience was led by Phyllis Novak-Nowakowski, Director of the Maloca Community and Native Plant Gardens, who provided students with an inspiring introduction to native plant species, sustainable gardening methods, and the power of community-based environmental action.

The visit began with a thoughtful overview of the garden鈥檚 history and purpose, followed by an interactive session exploring essential gardening terminology and tools.

Energized and ready, students rolled up their sleeves, grabbed shovels, and put their new knowledge into practice. With Phyllis鈥檚 step-by-step guidance, each student contributed meaningfully to the garden, while enjoying a rewarding and impactful hands-on experience.

FH Education learner Sally Gui reflected on the experience, saying,

鈥淭his was a very meaningful activity, and it offered a high level of engagement. I truly enjoyed the fact that all of us gathered together. It gave me information on how to start my own garden and taught me practical skills.鈥

The day concluded with a Sustainable Campus Tour, showcasing 91亚色鈥檚 environmentally conscious infrastructure and green spaces.

Inside the tool shed, a tidy wall of shovels, rakes, and supplies shows how ready this space is for hands-on learning.
Inside the tool shed, a tidy wall of shovels, rakes, and supplies shows how ready this space is for hands-on learning.
FH Education learning, creating a mound of soil in the Maloca Community Garden.
FH Education learning, creating a mound of soil in the Maloca Community Garden.
FH Education students and educators get their hands dirty, working together to prepare soil for planting鈥攖eamwork at its greenest!
FH Education students and educators get their hands dirty, working together to prepare soil for planting鈥攖eamwork at its greenest!

Interested in creating a similar experience for your students?

This event was thoughtfully curated and designed in collaboration with educators like Tina Fu to align with specific course outcomes. Contact Brittany Giglio at eucapply@yorku.ca to learn more about customized educational opportunities through the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.