{"id":351,"date":"2018-11-20T19:23:11","date_gmt":"2018-11-20T19:23:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/sustainability\/?page_id=351"},"modified":"2026-04-28T12:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T12:59:13","slug":"campus-farm","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/sustainability\/opportunities\/campus-farm\/","title":{"rendered":"Campus Farm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Small Beginnings<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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The farm started as a small patch of ground between the Greens and what is now LQ. In this small, shaded plot, the Community Garden Club maintained its steadily-producing garden but dreamed of bigger things.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"A<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Steady Growth<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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In 2010, those dreams became a reality. With the help of the Environmental Studies Department and the Sustainability Committee, the Community Garden Club leased a piece of the Bean farm from Historic St. Mary\u2019s City. Their first planting season was so successful that they were able to donate pounds of produce to the local homeless shelter as well as to Bon Appetit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What's Next<\/strong>?<\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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The Kate Chandler Campus Farm is a student-run organization that oversees the planting and harvesting of produce and herbs used in campus dining. In 2011, the farm expanded to a full acre lot and continues to strive to break new ground.<\/p>\n

\"We are dedicated to growing sustainable and nutritious food, creating an educational location for all members of our campus community, and offering fun, productive activities to students and faculty.\"<\/p>\n

The farm is currently seeking grants to build a greenhouse. The greenhouse will hold herbs to be used in Bon Appetit\u2019s daily menus. The farm also aims to increase it\u2019s supply of food to the campus, thus making St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland less dependent on outside suppliers.<\/p>\n

The composting program is currently underway at the farm. The process takes about six months. Once complete, the compost can be used as nutrient-rich soil for the farm\u2019s crops.<\/p>\n

For more information or to\u00a0get involved,<\/strong>\u00a0contact\u00a0smcmcampusfarm@gmail.com,<\/a> visit their blog <\/a>or their Twitter account!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What We Harvest<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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What We Plant<\/h3>\n

Everything! The Campus Farm experiments in a variety of planting with all different types of crops. This summer we were busy growing tomatoes, beets, basil, lemon balm, bell peppers, hot peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, cucumbers and kale, and flowers!<\/p>\n

What's the buzz?<\/h3>\n

Did you know that the Kate Chandler Campus Farm has harvested its own honey? It's true! In partnership with the Garden Club, the farm manages one beehive which is located on site. In 2016, our honey won first place at the St. Mary's County Fair! Honeybees are vital to healthy ecosystems, and the Garden Club is proud to contribute to a healthy bee population on our campus!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Bee<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Where We're Located<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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The Campus Farm is located at the intersection of Route 5 and Mattapany Road, just past Rosecroft Road. You\u2019ll see a small white house with a dirt driveway; the farm is located just beyond this house. It\u2019s an easy ten-minute walk from the campus center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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