While one group of students was busy starting the construction of an Earthbag house at the Upland Holistic Development Institute (UHDP) , the other group started their Sustainable Food Systems EFC in the organic farming community of Maeta. Students spent almost a week with host families learning about sustainable farming practices and techniques and how they are implemented in Northern Thailand.

Additionally, students were able to talk to village members about the history of the community and the reasons behind why they began to practice organic farming rather than traditional farming. Many of the reasons for farming organically are centered around the use of resources, including water. Students spent a day hiking up to the watershed area with villagers to see, hear, and experience the ways in which the community conserves this precious resource.

Students pose together before their watershed hike in Maeta.

Cassie and Monika help each other during a stream crossing.

Students cross the stream and scramble up some rocks on the trail.

Pa Wirat, with some translation assistance from Pi Pui, talks to students about local water management.

Students wind their way through the community-use forest.

Monika focuses on her steps as she crosses the stream.

In addition to learning about the watershed, the hike allowed students to see some beautiful countryside scenery.

Students cross the stream on a path beneath the reservoir.