Local scouts learn about sustainability in service project at Eckerd college Community Farm

The group of seven kindergarteners was treated to an interactive presentation by EC Community Farm Faculty Director, Environmental Studies Instructor and Internship Coordinator David Himmelfarb, Ph.D., on the life cycle of plants and the chemical makeup of dirt. During the presentation, Himmelfarb passed around a variety of local plants—such as pigeon pea, moringa, lamb’s ears and curry tree—for the girls to touch and taste.

A particular favorite was the edible leaves of the cranberry hibiscus plant, a native Florida shrub with a sugary, tart flavor. “When we taste that sugar, it’s kind of like tasting the sun,” Himmelfarb said while explaining the process of photosynthesis. Another favorite was lemongrass, a type of grass that when crushed exudes a lemony scent.

“It smells like Girl Scout Cookies!” one girl exclaimed, brandishing the leaf to her friends.