Saturday, June 4, 2025
9AM-12PM
AgInnovation Farm, (across from) 437 Jepson Lane, Portsmouth
Looking for an opportunity to grow your skills and inspire the next generation of innovators?
Join us for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience at AgInnovation Farm, where you’ll explore innovative ways to engage studentsJun in outdoor learning and STEAM education through student-driven projects. This workshop will provide you with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to build exciting, sustainable programs for your classroom or organization.
Throughout the day, you’ll:
- Explore farming, composting, and gardening elements, focusing on how students can take ownership of planning, implementation, and upkeep
- Tour the AgInnovation Farm, gaining insight into solar power systems, aquaculture, green teams, and adaptive equipment for special needs students
- Participate in interactive stations that offer practical, real-world examples of how to integrate these concepts into your lessons and school programs
- Collaborate with fellow educators and brainstorm ways to implement similar student-driven projects, no matter your grade level or setting.
Whether you’re an elementary teacher, nonprofit educator, or high school staff member, this workshop will help you cultivate your students’ curiosity, creativity, and leadership while promoting sustainability, science, and hands-on learning.
The Rhode Island Environmental Education Association presents this event as part of the Youth Leadership for a Sustainable Future workshop series.
REGISTER HERE
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Margie Brennan (she/her) is a seasoned science educator and curriculum coordinator with over 22 years of experience, currently leading the innovative AgInnovation program. In partnership with Eastern RI Conservation District (ERICD), she transformed a two-acre farm into a dynamic K–8 learning space where students engage in sustainability, environmental science, and agriculture. Margie has developed inclusive programming to ensure students of all abilities, including those in special education, have access to hands-on learning opportunities. Recognized for her dedication, she was awarded the RI National Geographic Educator Award in 2018 and the Presidential Innovative Environmental Educator Award in 2022. By partnering with local farmers, environmental educators, and researchers, she empowers students to build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while making a lasting impact on the local community.
Sara Churgin (she/her) Is an attorney, is the Executive Director of the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) which is a 501c3 that promotes responsible management and conservation of natural resources on all lands. Sara works with landowners to help them support healthy soils, pollinator and wildlife habitat, biodiversity, heat reduction in areas with limited green space, and the design and installation of stormwater runoff best management practices. Sara is the chair of the Leadership Committee for the RI Green Infrastructure Coalition, which promotes nature-based solutions for cleaning runoff pollution. She provides outreach education on stormwater runoff and is involved in design and installation of stormwater projects throughout Newport and Bristol Counties. Additionally, Sara sits on the RI Farm-School Network that envisions a robust and engaged farm to school community where equity, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized by honoring the lived experiences of the racial, ethnic, and cultural communities we serve. In partnership with Margie Brennan, Sara has created and grown Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm to where it is today.