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A volunteer’s perspective

My name is Lexie, and I discovered Albion Hills Community Farm while researching the Volunteer Job Board on the Peel School Board site.  I wanted to get a head start on my community hours and this was the perfect place for me,  since I love being in nature and I care about the environment .
I started in the beginning of August and several weeks later I had worked 42 hours.  Volunteering at the farm was a very eye opening experience.  It was very hands on and hard work, but it’s very rewarding in the end to see all your progress pay off.    Over several weeks I got to prepare beds as well as weed, plant, harvest, hand wash, dry, and  package vegetables for the CSA and market.  I got to work alongside many wonderful people, such as the farm manager Shannon and other workers.
Shannon taught me all the different aspects of agriculture.   I was taught a variety of recipes and shown many different vegetables that I had never seen or heard of before.  I learned all about life on a farm and how to use various tools and techniques.   By volunteering at Albion Hills Community Farm, I was able to fully appreciate all the time, dedication, teamwork, and effort that goes into the preparation to get healthy, fresh, and delicious locally grown vegetables.  At the end of the month after meeting some very passionate people, not only did I finish my community hours but I became more knowledgeable about agriculture.    I will definitely donate more of my time in the future to this awesome place. I highly recommend volunteering here!

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Medicine Wheel Garden (C6-7)

This area is inspired by traditional Indigenous Medicine Wheel gardens. The four quadrants represent the four directions and four seasons. We created this garden to provide an opportunity to learn, teach and honour traditional Indigenous practices, perspectives and being.

  • North – Kiiwedingong: This section represents the winter. The winter is the place of wisdom, The bear teaches about fasting as it hibernates and rests throughout the winter months. Sweetgrass is braided to remind us of the strength we gain when our mind, body and spirit is balanced.
  • East – Wasbingong: This section represents the springtime and new life. The eagle is the messenger between the people and the creator and teaches us we need to be thankful for creation and to live in a good way. Life is a gift. To honour that gift we have been given tobacco. Tobacco is used as a sign of thanksgiving and to remind us to be grateful and humble for all aspects of life.
  • South – Zhaawanong: This section represents the youth, summertime and nurturing. The deer teaches us the importance of generosity and sharing, The cedar is used as a cleansing medicine for the body and soul.
  • West – Epangishmok: This section represents the adult stage, autumn harvest. West is the berry stage. It is here the growth from the summer has come to ripen. The berry teaches us forgiveness and peace. It honours the cycle of death and rebirth. The buffalo teaches us to look within ourselves for guidance. Sage is used by Indigenous people to clear their minds and hearts, preparing for the rest of life’s journey.
  • The Centre: The rose in the centre tells us that life is like a rose. The thorns remind us of the up’s and down’s in the journey of life. As the flower dies each year come winter, we remember that we too are reborn after self-reflection, dedication and acceptance. The centre reminds us to find balance in our own lives and maintain our fire within. How is your fire burning?

 

– Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre