Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture is an initiative sponsored by the Masters in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. The program manages and operates mutliple student gardens, including a large garden at the Stono River Preserve and three urban gardens at downtown campus. The gardens are managed by a team of graduate assistants and undegraduate interns. All students are able (and encouraged) to receive academic credit for their work with Sustainable Agriculture. While many of our students are receiving their education in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, there are opportunities for students in all fields to become involved as we have partnerships with many on-campus and off-campus organizations. The graduate garden staff provides a volunteer-base for our efforts and informs decisions about workshops, produce offerings, and marketing.
The mission of Sustainable Agriculture is to provide and support experiential education, research, and food production using sustainable lowcountry gardening practices for the College of Charleston, local schools, and Charleston regional community members. Our garden spaces are places where students can learn firsthand about agriculture, gardening, food systems, and holistic land management by engaging directly with a functioning market garden. The Student Garden at the Stono River Preserve aims to provide education in fields as diverse as soil sciences and business development by fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging students to become active participants. Volunteering and workshops are two outlets for students to literally get their hands dirty in our downtown gardens or at the Stono River Preserve, and both venues provide students with the opportunity to learn about everything from marketing strategies to the latest in sustainable agriculture techniques. By providing a stake in the life and health of the gardens, rather than mere access, these spaces will allow students to grow both mentally and physically, all while working to get good food to their fellow classmates.
