By Wesley Bevell and Simon Shen

Usually when you’re in the city, you see large chain grocery stores with fluorescent lights and stocked shelves, you don’t typically picture large yields of crops in a city, and you certainly won’t picture a farm at a school. 

However, here at Yerba Buena High School, a club of students delivers fresh eggs, squash (seasonally), and other produce.

This club is called T.E.R.R.A. (Teaching Environmentally Respectful and Responsible Attitudes). They hold beds to grow plants such as peas, broccoli, and cauliflower; they also weed plantation and socialize/feed chickens. Whether you’re new to gardening or you’re experienced, there’s a place for you in Terra. Many say Terra feels welcoming and a place of fresh air. 

Typical farmers markets have produce such as dairy, fresh fruit, and vegetables. In Terra, they sell fresh eggs, squash, and sometimes honey. These products are cleaned and have heavy quality control.

Yerba Buena High School English teacher and advisor for Terra, Guadalupe Rodriguez (Ms. G) wants students to have a chance of learning about outdoor spaces that are not directly available to them.

Ms. G (Advisor): “Which was just making outdoor spaces like Terra accessible to students who would typically might not have access to gardens or chicken coops or places like these in their homes”

Additionally, Terra helps with students meeting their community service hours while deepening their understanding of gardening. 

One student here at Yerba Buena High School, Thien Le is the current president of Terra and the main director of Terra’s objectives. He makes sure the officers at Terra remain responsible, active, and approachable.

Thien (President): “And right now, the club is a place where students can earn hours after school and learn how to garden.”

As of now Terra has around 20 daily members, half being CCA, the other half being volunteers, some come on odd days and some come on even days. Some have even stated that the club gave them peace and felt as if they became better leaders. 

Ms. G: “It has made me more thankful for the space that, that this school has allowed us to use for terra, just in regards to like having somewhere i can go after work and just be at peace”

Terra has helped students be more connected with their community and to learn how to garden. So come on over to the school garden next to the student parking lot if you need a place to slow down, take a break, or just feel curious and want to try something new.

Terra will always be waiting.