Campus Farm

Who wants some good food?

history

During the summer of 2011 Ashley Conard 14' and Stephen Hesterburg 13' reinvigorated the discussion of finding a way to start a campus farm at DePauw. Members of the Office for Sustainability were soon closely working with the students and DePauw Dining Services. In November the two students published an op-ed in the campus newspaper. A month later Sustainability Director Carol Steele authored a DePauw University Campus Farm Business Plan and in March the Campus Farm was approved by President Brian Casey. Further, two members of DePauw's Board of Trustees donated $20,000 to help finance the program.   

WHy are you doing this? 

Our mission is to 1) Enrich the educational environment of DePauw University through experiential education, research, and enhanced classroom opportunities; 2) Provide a living example of the sustainability principles outlined by the DePauw University Sustainability Initiative; and 3) Provide sustainably grown produce to the campus and community. 

Tell me more 

DePauw's first season of planting and harvesting will begin in 2013. Employees of DePauw Dining Services, usually furloughed during the summer months, will help harvest the crops. Members of both the DePauw and Greencastle are expected to be intimately involved in both the planting and harvesting process. Though the site for the farm is seven acres, DePauw will begin with a one acre plot of land. 

WHAT WILL YOU GROW? 

Lots of things! Tomatoes, squash, peppers, pumpkins, eggplant, cabbage, melons, spinach, collard greens, beets, onions, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, corn, green beans, and more! 

How can i help? 

Contact Carol Steele (carolsteele@depauw.edu) and pay attention to this website and campus announcements for future gatherings!