PORTSMOUTH — Sun shading has been installed to enhance learning at the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm’s outdoor classroom with funding from BankNewport. The sun shading provides a safe outdoor space for children to study science and learn-by-doing. 

“This sunshade transforms our program availability by providing a safe space out of the sun for the kids to gather and learn, which has been critical during this hot 2023 summer season,” said Margie Brennan, Portsmouth school district’s K-8 science instruction coach. “The retractable design is also very clever and will make the shading resilient to wind and storms. Thank you so much to BankNewport for their support over the years, including helping us purchase a tractor in 2021.”

Brennan founded the AgInnovation Farm at Cloverbud Ranch on Jepson Lane along with Sara Churgin, district manager of the Eastern R.I. Conservation District.  Martin Beck of New England Grass Fed, who leases the 100-plus-acre Cloverbud Ranch, gifted six acres of land near the top of the ranch for student use.

“We are thrilled to support the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm's mission to foster STEAM education through hands-on learning,” said Jack Murphy, president and CEO of BankNewport. “At BankNewport, we believe in investing in our community's future, and this sun shading helps provide a safe and comfortable space  for students to turn their classroom ideas into a thriving reality on the farm.”

The farm is a vibrant and interactive learning space, with produce grown on the farm donated to local food banks. There is a pollinator path open to the public, a high tunnel for starting seeds, community gardens, chickens and bunnies cared for by the kids, a microclover pilot program, outdoor classroom, and more. The sunshade provided by BankNewport covers the farm’s outdoor classroom, where programming takes place throughout the year. 

For more information, visit www.easternriconservation.org/aginnovation-farm.