An Unforgettable Adventure: SF Day School's Visit to the Native Plant Garden at Stanford University

November 8th marked a memorable day for nearly 50 third graders from SF Day School as they embarked on an educational adventure to the Native Plant Garden at Stanford University. Led by Professor Wilcox, an MOPF Board Member, and his students, the event was planned to provide a deep dive into the wonders of Indigenous plant life and cultural practices.

The excitement was notable as the students arrived at the Native Plant Garden, where a series of hands-on "stations" awaited them. Each station was thoughtfully put together by Professor Wilcox and his students.

• Artifacts and Skeletal Structures: Students closely examined ancestral Muwekma artifacts and gained insights into traditional Muwekma Ohlone foods and lifeways

• Planting Native Species: Shovels in hand, the kids dug into the dirt to plant native species, learning the importance of ecological restoration.

• The Lifecycle of Acorns: Through activities like smashing acorns and understanding the process of detoxifying them, students discovered how acorns are transformed into flour for baking.

• Weeding and Dyeing: Attendees enjoyed weeding and imprinting the shapes of grasses onto cloth pieces using natural dyes.

• Burning Acorns for Planting: They learned about the traditional practice of burning acorns to prepare their seeds for planting.

• Exploring Waterways: The children explored the significance of waterways in sustaining plant life and ecosystems.

The day's activities were not only educational but also filled with joy and curiosity. Parent chaperones were equally immersed in the experience, joining in the learning and fun.

Before the day was done, Professor Wilcox gathered the students to reflect on what they had learned. The children's responses were heartfelt, showcasing the depth of their engagement and understanding.

The impact of the visit resonated well beyond the garden. On the following Monday morning, two enthusiastic third graders knocked on Ms. Etienne’s office door, eager to know when the next "community engagement day" would be. They shared their excitement about the trip, highlighting weeding and smashing acorns as their favorite activities. Their enthusiasm for trying acorn bread in the future spoke volumes about the lasting impression the experience had made.

Immense gratitude is extended to Professor Wilcox and his team for making this extraordinary day possible.  The event not only enriched the third graders' understanding of Indigenous culture and practices but also inspired a profound appreciation for the natural world.*

Professor Wilcox summarizing the day’s events and learnings with students of SF Day School.

The students of SF Day School explore using natural dyes.

*This blog post was created with details from an email sent to MOPF by Etienne Reche-Ley of SF Day School.