Sustainable Agriculture
Thank you to The Golden Pearl Foundation!
Their yearly contribution has allowed us to accomplish our goals that align with our mission and values!
What is Sustainable Agriculture at CofC?
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.
Our Mission
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.
Get Involved!
Volunteers are needed at the Stono River Preserve workdays every other Sunday from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Check out the Facebook page, The Student Garden at Stono Preserve, for upcoming events.
Downtown Urban garden workdays are every Monday from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. at the Warren Garden. More information can be found on the CofC Sustainable Agriculture Facebook page.
For more information, contact Lucy Davis.
Check Out Our Turtle Garden at the Student Garden at Stono Preserve
Garden Highlights
On October 24, 2020, the graduate program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies hosted an event entitled "Gullah/Geechee Freedom Celebration." The performance was in reconition of October's designation of Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Awareness month. To read more about this event, check out this article about the event in The College Today.
We are honored to be a part of the Gullah/Geechee Freedom Celebration, thank you Queen Quet for coming to the Stono...
Posted by CofC Graduate Program in Environmental Studies on Tuesday, November 10, 2020
