Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Oak 7 Gets Their Hands Dirty at DeLano Farms

Jason Fishkin sprays fish emulsion, an organic fertilizer, on crops at DeLano farms.

By: Scott Bremer

From May 8 to June 11, AmeriCorps NCCC’s Oak 7 is engaged in humankind’s oldest profession—farming. With their hands and a few simple tools, the team hopes to make Kalamazoo Nature Center’s DeLano Farms in Michigan flourish in time for its coming harvest.

Oak 7 is assisting in variety of tasks including:  seeding in the greenhouse and field, cultivation, building infrastructure for an expansion, designing and planning a learning garden, and assisting Farm Education staff during educational programs. 

“We’re using some old school methods,” says corps member Lindsay Jackson, referring to hours spent digging holes and weeding crops with her bare hands, the same techniques that our ancestors may have used many, many years ago. Farm employees do occasionally use a tractor—a 1955 International Harvester. 

DeLano Farms aims to diminish food insecurity and poor nutrition by providing education and healthy, organic food to the people of Kalamazoo. They sell their crops, donate several thousand pounds of vegetables each year, and offer programming to schools. Kameron Harris says that his favorite task on the farm is assisting with groups of students who come for field trips. “I felt really good about showing kids how to plant broccoli,” he said.

At the end of each day, Oak 7 leaves their muddy boots outside their housing, and heads in for a hearty meal and much needed rest. Everyone on the team agrees—farming is hard work.