Digging Into Earth Day: Student Reflections from the Farm

This spring, students participating in the Hustle & Grow program at Baton Roots Community Farm have been doing more than just getting their hands dirty—they’ve been learning what it means to grow food, grow together, and grow community.

Since the start of the semester, these budding growers have planted carrots, kohlrabi, greens, and pollinator plants. They’ve harvested fresh lettuce and carrots, fertilized garden beds, and even planted three peach trees that will one day shade the land they’ve worked so hard to nourish. Beyond the planting, they’ve gained essential skills like washing and packing produce, practicing teamwork, and learning the power of shared effort.

In preparation for Earth Day, the students reflected on what the farm has taught them—and why celebrating the planet matters.

“Earth Day, I think it's important to celebrate Earth Day because it's important to raise awareness about the environmental issues that are going on…, and I feel like if we encourage people to do things like plant their own food or do healthy practices that are beneficial to the earth, then that's a great thing for all of us.”

The students have also taken the time to learn about the North Baton Rouge neighborhood and how the farm serves as a hub for fresh food, education, and connection. Through this, they’re starting to understand the deeper impact of community farming.

When asked what they’d say to their peers about farming, the answers were as heartfelt as they were wise—many shared that it helped them build confidence, find focus and tranquility, and feel a sense of accomplishment. And when it came to their favorite parts of the farm, the answers ranged from planting seeds to bonding with classmates over shared tasks.

For Earth Day, the students ran a pay-what-you-can produce stand, giving back to the same community they’ve been learning from. It’s a perfect reflection of what they’ve learned: that farming is about feeding more than just stomachs—it’s about feeding hope, growth, and connection.