Lompoc High Students Dive Into Regenerative Farming at Santa Barbara Blueberries

Lompoc High School students at Santa Barbara Blueberries

This week, students from Lompoc High School had the opportunity to get their hands dirty during their STEM field trip to Santa Barbara Blueberries, located on the scenic Restoration Oaks Ranch. Spanning 18 acres, this naturally grown U-Pick farm is home to a vibrant mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and other seasonal delights — all cultivated with a deep respect for the land.

The visit kicked off with a warm welcome from Ed Seaman, who calls himself an agriecologist. That means he doesn’t just grow berries — he farms with nature, not against it. Ed takes great care in observing which areas of his land are suitable for planting and which are better left untouched to maintain the local ecosystem. His thoughtful approach quickly captured the students’ attention.

Ed began by introducing the concept of agriecology, emphasizing the interconnected relationships between plants, microbes, and the surrounding environment. In a creative twist, he had students act out skits as plants and microbes to help them understand how these partnerships work — a fun and effective way to bring soil science to life!

Next, Ed shared some of the water-saving strategies used on the farm, including the implementation of drip irrigation systems. Students saw firsthand how these low-pressure tubes are installed beneath the soil surface to minimize water loss through evaporation — an essential practice for sustainable farming in California.

From there, the group made their way to the barn for a peek into vermicomposting — a new term for many of the students. Inside was a massive bin filled with green waste and thousands of earthworms hard at work. Ed explained how vermicast, the nutrient-rich result of worm digestion, acts like a natural fertilizer. Not only does it nourish the soil, but it also helps regulate temperature around plant roots, prevents erosion, and reduces weed growth — all without synthetic chemicals.

Of course, no trip to Santa Barbara Blueberries would be complete without time among the bushes. Students explored the various berry varieties and learned about the importance of cover crops — plants grown not for harvest, but to support soil health, attract pollinators, and suppress weeds.

The day wrapped up with an enthusiastic Q&A session. Students peppered Ed with questions like: Do you use precision agriculture? How did you get started on the farm? How many blueberries do you grow each year? When is peak season? Ed graciously answered them all, clearly inspiring a few future farmers and scientists in the process.

It was a beautiful, sunny day filled with curiosity, hands-on learning, and a deeper understanding of how agriculture and nature can work in harmony.

Thank you, Santa Barbara Blueberries and Ed Seaman, for such an inspiring and educational experience!