Horticulture & Environmental Science Program

The objective of the horticulture and environmental science program at Ironwood is to engage residents with their surroundings through gardening and woodland activities, and to teach them about nature so they may become more enlightened about their own nature and the nature of their families.

During the spring, summer and fall months, a large, intensively managed vegetable garden and the landscape around our Victorian-Era farmhouse and outbuildings serve as our classroom. Here, students learn the basics of raising food for themselves and endeavor to make their surroundings visually appealing. While engaging in hands-on activities, the residents learn about basic botany, plant propagation, soil science, plant lore and history, and the basic biology of common garden organisms. They learn about various aspects of entomology, including metamorphosis and the identification of common garden insects, both pests and beneficial. They learn essential elements of Integrated Pest Management and landscape design.

During winter, residents explore the intricate trail system of our 500 acre farm, which abuts Frye Mountain, one of Maine’s premier wildlife management areas. Students learn about forest ecosystems, wildlife biology, animal adaptations, forest resources and the historic uses of our forest plants. They learn to identify Maine’s most common deciduous and coniferous trees and native woodland plants. They gain knowledge about basic meteorology.

During special events throughout their residency, our teens and their families engage in educational programs which focus on relating nature to their everyday lives. Through education, engaging hands-on group functions and thoughtful, facilitated discussion, students learn how to relate what they learn through their observations of nature to their own family dynamics.