St. Margaret’s and Local Community Unite to Celebrate Opening of La Novia Farm

Leaders from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, The Ecology Center and the City of San Juan Capistrano came together this week in celebration of La Novia Farm and the unique partnership that has brought environmental stewardship and educational opportunities to the local community.

Among the St. Margaret’s leaders in attendance for the event were members of the Board of Trustees, school administration and leaders of the Parent Teacher Fellowship. They were joined by members of The Ecology Center’s leadership team, San Juan Capistrano city leaders and local media.

Speakers at the event included City of San Juan Capistrano mayor John Campbell, St. Margaret’s Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham and The Ecology Center executive director Evan Marks and vice president of community Jonathan Zaidman. The event started with a song and blessing by Acjachemen tribal leader Adelia Sandoval.

La Novia Farm is a two-acre regenerative farm developed this year as a partnership between St. Margaret’s, The Ecology Center, and the city. As part of the vision, St. Margaret’s developed a garden and plant science educator position based at the farm and appointed longtime outdoor educator Pam Conti to the role. That position was funded for three years through a generous gift from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in support of long-term community engagement and environmental stewardship among local students.

“At St. Margaret’s, we are making a significant commitment to experiential learning—creating opportunities for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with what they encounter in the world,” St. Margaret’s Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham said at the event. “La Novia Farm brings that commitment to life.”

 

La Novia Farm has already hosted many students for educational activities led by Ms. Conti this school year. That includes St. Margaret’s students as well as classes from Ambuehl Elementary down the street from the farm.

 

At this week’s celebration, several grade 5 students took part in a demonstration led by Ms. Conti and The Ecology Center staff.

 

“We often talk about ‘anchoring’ learning in meaningful experiences,” Dr. Graham said. “Here, we have the opportunity to quite literally root it. What students see, hear, touch, and feel gives abstract ideas meaning, creating experiences they can return to, reflect upon and build on.”