What if a single school field trip could spark a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and inspire a child to participate in its protection actively? For Jameson, a 3rd grader from Sacramento, that’s precisely what happened during his visit to the historic Nicolaus Dairy. Surrounded by lessons on pollination, composting, and sustainable farming, Jameson began to understand the importance of environmental stewardship. But one station in particular ignited something more profound—his newfound love for chickens.
“When we got home after that field trip, Jameson wouldn’t stop talking about the chickens,” his mom shared with a smile. “He kept begging me to get some. I figured it was just a phase, but he didn’t let it go!“
In the Fall of 2023, Jameson marveled at the honeybees and chickens, fascinated by the wonders of pollination and composting. But it was the chicken station that truly clicked for him.
“I just loved them,” Jameson told Beth Bartkowski, Splash’s Program Manager at Project AWE when she saw him again a year later on his 4th-grade trip. “I had to have my own!“
Fast-forward to today. That passion Jameson discovered during his visit didn’t just stay at the dairy—it came home with him. A year later, Jameson and his mom returned to Nicolaus Dairy, this time focusing on hydroponics, gardening, and milk production. As we talked in the workshop, Jameson asked about the well-being of the chickens, the very creatures that had changed his world.
Building a Dream Coop
“When he asked for chickens,” his mom recounted, “I thought, ‘Why not?’ But it wasn’t just about getting chickens—Jameson wanted to build the coop himself.“
Together, they sketched out the design for their dream coop, taking a trip to Home Depot to gather supplies. With the help of a local contractor, they brought the vision to life. “Jameson insisted we use branches from an old tree in our yard as perches,” his mom said, “because, as he learned at the farm, nothing goes to waste on a farm.“
The Fruits of Environmental Stewardship
Now, their backyard farm is thriving with 34 chickens. Jameson tends to them daily, feeding, watering, and collecting eggs. He’s learned responsibility and the beauty of living sustainably. “We use the leftover greens from our meals to feed the chickens, and they give us fresh eggs in return,” he said proudly. “Plus, the chicken poop goes right back into our garden as compost!“
And it’s not just Jameson who’s been impacted—his friends love visiting, often coming over to hold the chickens. “We even got little leashes like the ones we saw at the dairy,” his mom added. “It’s become this whole neighborhood thing.“
Growing Environmental Stewards through Project AWE
Jameson’s story is just one example of how students become inspired through Sacramento Splash’s Project AWE (Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environment). In partnership with the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer), Project AWE gives students hands-on field trip experiences at the Nicolaus Dairy, fostering a deep connection to the land, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. As Splash’s team member shares, “This program is about more than just showing students how a farm works. It’s about planting seeds of curiosity, responsibility, and a sense of stewardship for the environment.”
Help Us Expand the Impact
Project AWE is in high demand, with the 2024/25 school year fully booked. “We have a long waiting list of classes eager to experience the farm’s magic,” said Gina, Sacramento Splash’s Program Director. “But to reach more students, we need additional sponsors to sustain the program.”
The continued success of Project AWE depends on community support. That’s why we’re asking for your help. If you know of an organization or individual who would like to sponsor a field trip or help expand our program, please contact Gina at gina@sacsplash.org.
Join Us in 2025
We’re gearing up for a major fundraising event in Fall 2025 to spotlight the magic of Nicolaus Dairy—stay tuned for details!
Now in its third year, Project AWE offers hands-on field trips in Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environment, thanks to our partner, SacSewer. This summer, Splash staff readied the dairy with crop planting, mulching, and prep work, all to welcome eager students this fall.
Nicolaus Dairy thrives year-round with Nigerian dwarf goats, a mini donkey, and robust crops, yet ongoing support is essential. SacSewer’s sponsorship has been invaluable, but we need additional sponsors to meet high demand and grow our program.
Know someone who’d love to support this impactful experience? Connect them with Gina at gina@sacsplash.org to shadow a field trip. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards—one field trip at a time.