University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

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Proposal

Spring Straw Removal for Healthy Strawberry Growth at Little Berry Farm

15 hours

Community partner: Little Berry Farm LLC
Supervisor: Halie Stock
Beginning date:
2025-04-15
Ending Date:
2025-04-16

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer At Little Berry Farm, we use straw mulch to protect our strawberries through the winter, but come spring, it needs to be carefully removed to allow the plants to grow. This project involves gently raking the straw off the plants into the walking rows. It’s an important task for the farm’s seasonal operation and offers students from UW-Eau Claire a chance to gain hands-on experience in organic farming. By partnering with us, students help keep the farm running smoothly while learning about sustainable, pesticide-free agriculture that benefits the local community.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer At Little Berry Farm, we’re all about growing fresh, local food with a focus on sustainability. Our mission is to produce healthy, delicious fruit for the Eau Claire community while taking care of the environment. We’re committed to organic practices, and we’re excited to partner with UW-Eau Claire’s Service Learning program to offer students the chance to learn the ins and outs of farming, all while contributing to a healthy local food system.

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer You don’t need to be a farming expert to help out, but here’s what we’ll need from you: - Physical stamina: You’ll be bending and gently raking straw off the strawberry plants, so get ready to stretch those legs and get your hands dirty. - Attention to detail: It’s important to rake gently around the plants—too much pressure could damage them! You’ll need a careful touch to make sure our strawberries are in tip-top shape. - Teamwork: You’ll be working with other students, so communication and cooperation will help things go smoothly. It’s all about pitching in together! - A love for the outdoors: You’ll be working in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings—rain or shine (well, hopefully no snow!)—so a positive attitude and a willingness to work outside is key.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer By the end of this project, you’ll walk away with a ton of new skills, including: - Hands-on experience in farm maintenance—especially strawberry care. - An understanding of why mulch is important and how it helps with plant health and soil quality. - The opportunity to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while working on the farm. - A deeper understanding of organic farming and how it benefits the environment and our community. - An appreciation for the hard work that goes into growing local food and how your efforts contribute to a sustainable food system.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer The hours are flexible, allowing students to choose times that best fit their schedules between the following tentative, weather-dependent dates: Tuesday, April 15th 3:00pm-6:00pm Wednesday, April 16th 9:00am - 1:00pm OR 2:00pm - 5:00pm If interested, there will be other opportunities throughout the months of April, May, June, & July as well!

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Little Berry Farm is nestled in the countryside (just a 10 minute drive from campus), offering a peaceful escape while working on something meaningful. You’ll get to experience the beauty of sustainable farming first-hand. Just remember to bring weather-appropriate clothing—we’re outside rain or shine! Plus, with our organic practices, you’ll be learning what it means to grow food without harmful chemicals, making this project even more rewarding. Get ready to have fun, meet new people, and help us get our strawberries ready for a successful season!
Center for Service-Learning • Old Library 2100 • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
A Unit of: Advising, Retention + Career Center
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: srvlearn@uwec.edu
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