Our Program
Curriculum
SCIENCE
The Ecological Foundations
of Agroecology
Agroecology is a method of farming rooted in the values and practices of Indigenous and peasant agriculture, combined with modern ecological and scientific knowledge.
​In this classroom-based course students explore the core agroecological principles of soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, and the cycling of on-farm and local inputs. Topics covered include the soil food web, nutrient cycling, pest and disease resistance, genetic and species biodiversity, and the carbon, nitrogen and water cycles.
We also explore key agroecological land management practices such as reduced tillage farming, crop rotations, cover crops, integrated livestock systems and agroforestry to understand the regenerative practices that build and maintain a vibrant farm ecosystem.
MOVEMENT
Contemporary Food Systems
As a political movement, agroecology advocates for resilient rural economies based in farmer autonomy, dignity and independence, as well as an egalitarian access to resources such as land, seeds, water, credit, and institutional support.
To better understand the challenges and opportunities for food system transformation, it is important to grasp the broader environmental, social, economic, and political issues surrounding our current food system. This course looks at both the agroecological and the industrial paradigms.
Topics covered include land use, labour, seeds and crops, livestock, food sovereignty and hunger, Indigenous ways of knowing, agrarian social movements, global governance, environmental issues and development agendas.
PRACTICE
On-Farm Learning
Practical learning puts agroecological principles into practice in our ½ acre intensive market garden and geothermal greenhouse.
Interns are immersed in all aspects of the market garden and greenhouse operation, from planting to marketing and everything in between.
Practical elements of crop production include crop families and their requirements, fertility management, seedling production, succession planting, season extension, composting, cover cropping and crop rotations, pest, disease and weed management, irrigation systems, small equipment operation, harvesting, and low tillage systems.
Students participate in all aspects of community marketing, through direct sales to local customers and at the Wolfe Island Farmers Market, as well as through local businesses.
Program Details
May 6 to August 30
Geared to university students and those looking for a summer learning experience, our 4-month program allows students to participate in all aspects of the market garden and geothermal greenhouse production. For students at Queen's University, our program qualifies as part of a 3-credit fourth year course - Global Development Studies (DEVS 410/411).
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Students will receive a stipend of $3000 upon completion of the 2025 season.
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Students are responsible for their own accommodation, meals and transportation. Some accommodations are available on the Island and student sublets are generally available in Kingston during the summer months. The main farm site (Wolfe Island Gardens) is an easy bicycle ride from the village of Marysville.​​​
TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE PROGRAM, PLEASE EMAIL US AT WOLFEISLANDGARDENS@GMAIL.COM.
A Typical Week
​Tuesday
We start the week by planning our tasks for the upcoming week. We begin with a walk around Wolfe Island Gardens, observing both the garden and infrastructure. In the garden we look at crop health, weed pressure, and harvesting needs, as well as at the work spaces and hoophouses to assess if anything needs attention. ​Once completed, we gather as a group and make a detailed list of the tasks at hand, organizing them by day and order of importance, and we discuss our learning goals for that week. We focus on the practical elements of market gardening, including succession planting, seed starting, crop families, pest management, etc.​
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If we are harvesting, we assemble orders and deliver to the local grocery store, gourmet food truck, and farm stand. After a lunch break, students gather for a classroom-based lesson in the Ecological Principles of Agroecology.
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Wednesday
On Wednesdays students participate in a local placement, either at another small farm operation or with a local food initiative. Students usually work at one placement for the duration of their time in the program, gaining an intimate knowledge of their host's operations. Wolfe Island Gardens helps to facilitate placements but students are responsible for their own transportation.
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Thursday
Thursday morning and early afternoon are again spent working in the market garden and greenhouse areas, completing more of the tasks that were identified on Monday. After an early afternoon break, students gather for a classroom-based lesson in Contemporary Food Systems.
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Friday​
On Friday morning we prepare for the Farmers Market, assemble the CSA shares, and finish any outstanding tasks on Monday’s list. We try to be finished our work by lunch time, after which we gather for a meal together and discuss the week’s accomplishments and challenges. Friday afternoons are flexible; we may have a guest lecture or field trip or students can take some time for independent study and course readings.​​
Saturday
Students alternate working at the Farmers’ market on Saturdays. While most have the day off, one student accompanies our staff to the market – loading the truck, setting up the stand, selling produce, and packing up. This is a busy day, but lots of fun and with lots of opportunities to meet the Wolfe Island community.