HANDS-ON LEARNING

Growing grapes organically means finding alternatives to poison when combatting pests. At Martorana Family Winery, they attract natural predators by installing owl boxes. The Dry Creek Valley winegrowers also attract high school students interested in learning about sustainable farming.

As part of the FARMS Leadership Program, 32 students from six local high schools recently descended on one of the family's vineyards to learn by doing. After a sunny morning of measuring, sawing and pounding, the group traveled to the Martorana family's Grape Creek vineyard to help introduce plants that will stabilize the creek bank.

"Allowing the FARMS Program to learn about what we do is an opportunity to give back to our community and spread the word that farming and fish can coexist harmoniously," said Gio Martorana.