What's Growing in June?

Community Update June 2017

Course Updates

Recent Courses

Over the past month, our students have been investigating soil in our Growing Soils course led by Molly Culver . From learning about soil chemistry, to compost, to land access, the course covered a comprehensive study of this vital, living resource. Students visited and met with the organizers behind Snug Harbor , BK ROT , The Youth Farm , and Earth Matter.

Currently, students are immersed in planning their own irrigation systems with Lorrie Clevenger. Over the weekend, students are installing a new irrigation system at New Roots Community Farm in the South Bronx.

Student Reflection: Growing Soils

"I loved how much the hands on work tied into our lectures - they all felt very in sync, and whenever I was hazy on something during lecture, we always were able to see/touch/smell whatever it was to grasp a better understanding.

I will be able to confidently write about the impact of location-specific toxins on soil ecosystems, as well as suggest how they might be able to be amended. This is crucial to environmental journalism and I am so excited to apply this in my work!!! "

- Kelly Mays, Citywide Certificate Student

What's Next?

Only a few spaces are left in our NYC as an Ecosystem course! To learn more about the context of our local environment and how to integrate cultivated spaces with native biodiversity, register here.

Later in the summer, our Crop Management and Plant Health courses will provide in-depth opportunities to learn about crop varieties, cultivation, and care techniques. If you're interested in signing up for these courses, pre-register here !

Zooming Out: State and National Food Politics

If you aren't already following, now is a crucial time to tune in to what's happening in food politics outside of New York City.

NOFA-NY recently released an Action Alert urging everyone to support stronger animal welfare standards on organic farms. Find out why and easily customize a message to the USDA here.

Additionally, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) covers federal agricultural politics closely. Read more to find out how leaving the Paris Climate Agreement, federal budget cuts, and USDA policy changes will affect farming.

Student Spotlight

We're happy to celebrate Suzanne Babb, one of our Citywide Certificate Students, on her recognition in the NYC Food Policy 40 Under 40. In addition to her involvement with Farm School, Suzanne manages community partnerships at WhyHunger, is an urban farmer at La Finca del Sur, and is a member of Black Urban Growers (BUGs).

We are so proud to congratulate our Citywide Certificate Student, Sean Brennan, for being named Queens Person of the Week earlier in May! His work with the Brain Food Garden Project provides therapy for people with mental illness, engaging directly with residents at the Markus Gardens housing project. Find the full article and video here .