Youth and Sustainable Farming

Engaging our youth in environmental education projects gives them first-hand experience with the consequences of climate change and their role in protecting the environment. These education projects develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing future environmental issues. It is important for them to learn about climate impacts so that they can advocate for sustainable practices and policies and become effective agents of change. Here, at my farm in West Newbury, I have long supported student projects that encourage outdoor learning and strengthen the participants' understanding of climate, ecological protection, and sustainability.

This spring, two students from Triton Regional High School participated in a Triton senior year internship program at my farm. During their internship, they learned about plant varieties, planting techniques, soil conditions, irrigation, and how climate and local weather impact plant growth. 

I was extremely impressed with Sofia Carmona’s and Joshua Krugman’s commitment to learning about plants, plant growth, and the importance of preserving nature. 

Sofia Carmona … My Internship at Maple Crest Farm

Working at Maple Crest Farm as an intern was a great experience that gave me the opportunity to connect with nature while learning about agriculture and the environment. One of my favorite parts of working at the farm was learning about the different trees and plants that John grows and understanding the work that goes into keeping them healthy. Spending time outside and working directly with plants helped me appreciate nature and farming in a way that I had not experienced before.

My time at Maple Crest Farm also inspired my project about the effects of climate change on agriculture. Working on the farm allowed me to see how weather, temperature, water, and other environmental conditions can affect plants and the people who grow them. This made climate change feel like something that can have real effects on our local communities rather than just something we hear about in the news.

Another important part of my internship was having the opportunity to attend an ACES (Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards) meeting. The meeting was very educational because I learned about nearby towns and the different challenges they face, especially around waste reduction. I also learned about the efforts communities are making to become more environmentally responsible. I was able to meet many interesting and important people who are working to make a difference in their communities.

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to intern at Maple Crest Farm and attend the ACES meeting. The experience taught me a lot about plants, agriculture, climate change, and environmental responsibility. I hope other students choose to intern at Maple Crest Farm because it is a great opportunity to learn, spend time outdoors, meet new people, and gain experiences that can inspire new interests and ideas.

Joshua Krugman … My internship experience at Maple Crest Farm

An internship is something that all high school students should experience before moving on to college, the trades, or work. You can learn how to do something, but without experience and practice, that skill will be weaker than it could have been. I planned on majoring in biology in college and took multiple courses in high school to further that goal. I took AP Environmental Science during my senior year, and when I started my internship, I would work on the farm for a while before going to my AP class. The farm is very close to Triton Regional High School, and so transportation was very easy. I got to learn about the science behind agriculture and then step into the field to practice what I had learned.

I was lucky to have been given the opportunity to intern at Maple Crest Farm under Farmer John Elwell, a former school principal with the best handshake of anyone I have ever met. I learned how to cultivate the land and grow strawberries, blueberries, and Christmas trees. I also learned how to use agricultural machinery, install fences, and clean beehives. My favorite part of the internship was driving a golf cart and admiring the beautiful scenery at John’s farm, and I want to thank John for the wonderful experience I had as his intern.

John Elwell is the owner and the farmer at Maple Crest Farm in West Newbury and serves on the ACES Board of Directors and our Develop Youth Leaders Initiative.  John encourages you to get out into nature and get your hands dirty.

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This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on October 16, 2026.