We're very happy to have Alexander Thompson back on the
farm! This summer, his work with CFFI will also count toward his nearly
completed masters degree in public health. He will work on expanding the
compost micro-business he helped create for CFFI. Additionally, he will be
gathering data regarding water and soil quality around Victoria. Overall, his
goals are: 1) to evaluate whether or not the use of synthetic fertilizer on the
island is threatening marine life via increased runoff of nitrates and
phosphates into waterways; and 2) to promote the use of natural compost in
place of synthetic fertilizers. We are excited to see what he comes up with and
enjoy supporting his educational endeavors!
Our new intern, Emily Soffa, joins us after working and teaching in a wide variety of sustainability projects in China, Japan, New Zealand and Spain over the past two years. Emily brings her diverse background and enthusiastic community organizing skills to design and implement programs partnering our CFFI with local schools, 4H chapters, and local cocoa farmers. She is coordinating environmental cleanup events, CFFI’s first sustainable agriculture summer camp, and a fruit tree-planting project for the local elementary school. She aims to engage the local community, especially the youth, to be environmental stewards through experiential learning programs and events. We are pleased to have her on the team!
After the Victoria River cleanup event with Emily, the 4-H club, and students from the Bonair school |
Mixing concrete to form the base of CFFI's roundhouse! |