Campus farm project!

This project was begun by New College faculty and students who envision a community garden for use by the organic farming classes in New College. Such a garden would also have a mission to serve as a learning and outreach space for the entire community (UA and Tuscaloosa). In our wildest dreams, the garden would be used to supply an on-campus, year round farm stand, would be staffed by interns, would contribute to university foodservice, and would serve as teaching and research space by a large number of faculty across a wide range of disciplines.

What would it look like? Its face would change constantly as seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers are cultivated and harvested by students, interns, staff, and community members. We envision native landscaping, natural buildings, rainwater harvesting, solar power, and efficient use of waste. Fruit and nut trees. Festivals, performances and gatherings, a tranquil place to be, a place to learn and grow. A place that sets an example of sustainability and responsible stewardship of the land.

Many other universities have similar programs; maybe it would look like the one at Yale

To contribute to this effort, take our brief survey.

We are particularly interested in hearing from FACULTY AND STAFF about potential curricular tie-ins, research and creative activity potential, and potential for service learning. For this project to be viable, we must indicate clearly how such a garden will contribute to our research, teaching, and service. Think of it as a potential art and performance space, a hands-on laboratory, a classroom for food and food culture-related classes, a space for student interns from nutrition to business to construction, and a focal point for campus sustainability. Think "Crimson is Green". Be creative and think about what you would like to see in such a space.

STUDENTS: we want to hear from you, too! This is your project and if you want to make it happen, please fill out the survey and offer your support.

Our loose confederation of students, faculty, and collaborators are now looking at prospective plots of land to ground our efforts. We hope to find where we'll call home, Crimson Clover Farm.