Written By Brittany Giglio
In celebration of Earth Day on April 24, 2025, York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC), in collaboration with the Maloca Community Gardens, welcomed a group of enthusiastic Grade 10 students from FH Education (Future & Hope) for an immersive and hands-on gardening experience.
The event, titled “Dig at Maloca Community Garden,” aimed to deepen students’ understanding of sustainable practices, ecological stewardship, and the interconnectedness of community and environment.
This experiential learning opportunity directly supported curriculum expectations from the English as a Second Language course at FH Education, offering students the chance to enhance language development through authentic, real-world engagement.
As English teacher Lara Cerqueira shared,
“We brought our classroom here today and had so much fun! We learned about gardening and how to do proper soil work. We also talked about how the whole community can make use of the gardening space and exchange knowledge about soil, as well as Indigenous Peoples and their connection with the land. I hope we can come again to learn more.”
The experience was led by Phyllis Novak-Nowakowski, Director of the Maloca Community and Native Plant Gardens, who provided students with an inspiring introduction to native plant species, sustainable gardening methods, and the power of community-based environmental action.
The visit began with a thoughtful overview of the garden’s history and purpose, followed by an interactive session exploring essential gardening terminology and tools.
Energized and ready, students rolled up their sleeves, grabbed shovels, and put their new knowledge into practice. With Phyllis’s step-by-step guidance, each student contributed meaningfully to the garden, while enjoying a rewarding and impactful hands-on experience.
FH Education learner Sally Gui reflected on the experience, saying,
“This was a very meaningful activity, and it offered a high level of engagement. I truly enjoyed the fact that all of us gathered together. It gave me information on how to start my own garden and taught me practical skills.”
The day concluded with a Sustainable Campus Tour, showcasing York’s environmentally conscious infrastructure and green spaces.
Interested in creating a similar experience for your students?
This event was thoughtfully curated and designed in collaboration with educators like Tina Fu to align with specific course outcomes. Contact Brittany Giglio at eucapply@yorku.ca to learn more about customized educational opportunities through the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
Brittany Giglio | She/Her
Recruitment & Liaison Officer