Do you want to learn more about organic gardening and how to make delicious foods that can be grown in your own garden at home? This class combines knowledge of two disciplines - gardening and cooking. We will plant our own culinary herb containers, mulch a garden, visit an organic farm (to see gardening on a larger scale) cook from scratch using herbs, fruits and vegetable (we will eat what make to ensure that it is delicious!) and do a fun-edible community service project to show off your knowledge in gardening and cooking! All these things and more will be discovered through fun, hands-on activities, and field trips.

Faculty/Instructor

Heather  O'Rourke,

Hometown and city: Castro Valley, California & Urbana, Illinois
University attended, graduation date and degree: University of Idaho, May, 2009, Masters in Conservation Social Sciences: Emphasis in Environmental Education
My research/teaching area of interest: I researched and implemented an exciting hands-on program, for my master’s degree, to explore a more effective way of teaching. The idea behind the program, is that when young people enjoy learning and experience learning in a hands-on way, learning is more effective and young people see how they make a positive difference in their own lives and others.
Plans before CQ begins: I plan to get my garden started and ready so that I can eat delicious, fresh and healthy foods throughout the season.
Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy working on my friend’s little farm. They have many animals and plants. Some of their animals include, goats, a horse named Goldie, and two beautiful watchdogs that protect all the animals at night. My friends are like grandparents to me and are my mentors that have allowed me to learn hands-on about plants and animals. I enjoy being in nature and playing in water, whether I am swimming, kayaking or just camping. During summer, I really enjoy picking berries to make pies! This leads to my love of cooking and baking which we will get to do together.
Favorite Summer Memory: I have many favorite summer memories so I will just mention a couple. Last year, I took a trip with my folks to Yosemite to see the beautiful mountains, wildlife and plants. We hiked up mountains to see amazing waterfalls and from inside of our car, we were able to see a brown bear up close. I even hugged a Giant Sequoia (a rare tree 250 ft high and 20 ft diameter!) (That would be over six 40 ft school busses tall!) I have also gone swimming and camping locally for the past 5 years. Granite Point and Priest Lake (which is a little farther) are two great places to be when the weather is hot.
Life Goal: I would like to work with youth and help provide exciting experiential opportunities for youth to discover what they are passionate about. I also wish to help show that anyone can make a positive difference in his/her own life by the choices that he/she makes. I have a love for plants and cooking and I hope to continue my learning in both of these topics.
About me: I was born in California and did most of my primary and secondary education in Illinois. I have lived in Moscow, Idaho for the past five years and I love it. I now consider Moscow my home. I have played violin since the forth grade and I really enjoy playing and listening to bluegrass music. I love seeing live music at a coffee house or at a concert. I saw Dave Matthews live at the Gorge in Washington and also like Coldplay, and Jack Johnson to name a few favorites. I enjoy spending time outside and I enjoy by learning hands-on. I am fascinated with the concept of sustainability and love to learn how to do new things or pick up new skills. I am very excited to meet everyone that takes this workshop and look forward to learning more about your interests. Together we can learn about plants, cooking, and see how we all make a difference by teaching a little of we have learned to folks at a community living center. I look forward to begin!