Lane Community College: Eugene, OR

While visiting Horton Road Organics and Food for Lane County, we were strongly urged to stop by the Lane Community College Student Farm. On our way out of town, we decided to follow their advice after encountering a bout of afternoon traffic. We were rewarded with an unexpected presence of friendly students as well as a fresh bounty of veggies. We were quick to observe the close-knit community that surrounded the garden and how the support of the students and staff made a world of difference. One of the most impressive features of the Lane Community College Student Garden is that they are a major provider of ingredients used by the on campus student restaurant even though they are currently cultivating on a small plot of land. Even more impressively, although the farm is fairly new they were still able to set up a federal work-study program, work out an extra credit connection with other classes, hire an Americorps employee to work for the farm, collect the Bill Clinton Initiative Call to Action grant, as well as enact an extra dollar a semester student activity fee for farm project funding.

Most of the funding for the farm was dispersed through small mini-projects such as building fences or a foyer, expanding their agroforrestry system, or just purchasing new soil. Through the strong support of the groundskeeping crew as well as the faculty, this student run farm was able to convince the school to allow them more growing space as well as hopes for a new green house.

Similar to the OSU campus, LCC Farm hosts weekly work parties, sharing food and knowledge. Strong faculty support played an important factor in the quick growth, maintenance, and overall success of the garden.

We were so happy to meet with Toby Kubler, an active student member.  He shared much of his wisdom with us and left us with much to think about.  

• Apply for grants that pay for specific projects but do not cover the whole cost of the farm project
• Central on campus location creates the most sense of community and availability for student and faculty participation
• Utilize work-study and Americorps opportunities to bring in a manager and other workers.  Also find teachers who are willing to give students extra credit for participating in the garden.  Many of these students will then become active members.
• Staying small at the beginning brings success!  
• Use the materials that are available to you on campus or for free and use those as much as you can. 
• Network - get everyone at the university on board with what you are doing.