Since 1998 Dallas County Master Gardeners have introduced students to the pioneer methods of the farmstead at Farmers Branch Historical Park’s Log Cabin. Hands-on activities help students experience the life of pioneer farming families in Dallas County in the 1840’s.
While the target audience is primarily third graders, the program covers pre-k through seventh grade children from public, private, and home schools. Master Gardeners develop curriculum, plan the garden, and continue to guide and teach students.
They use the Master Gardener’s handbook as their primary horticultural teaching reference as well as on-line data provided by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M. Volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours conducting tours and educating thousands of students, teachers, and parents from numerous schools as well as other visitors to the park.
Based on their letters of appreciation and their comments of wanting to live in a cabin, become a farmer, or “there’s no bathroom or water in this cabin,” the children have all taken away a memorable experience from their tour. Because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, lessons in the park are currently on hold.
