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Educational Activities
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Golfers and Golf Courses Benefit from the Use of Native Grasses in Roughs
Some golfers may prefer a well-manicured golf course, highly-maintained with very green, very short grass that's easy to play off of. But, according to two recent studies at the University of Illinois, a naturalized landscape that incorporates native grasses benefits biodiversity, saves costs on pesticides and labor for the golf course, and could create a course which is just as challenging for golfers.
New Agriculture Network
New Agriculture Network is a collaborative project between the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, Purdue University, Iowa State University and organic growers in these states. It was initiated in 2004 to facilitate information exchange between researchers and organic growers or growers interested in transitioning to organic practices.
Bevier Cafe
Bevier Café is a Student Operated Laboratory in Quantity Food Preparation and Service, located in Bevier Hall on the UIUC campus. Chef Jean Louis-Ledent is making a concerted effort to incorporate locally grown food into the Café’s daily menu. Most professional chefs recognize the superior quality of local food, but if Chef Jean Louis and Jill North (co-manager of the Café) had any doubts, they were swept aside after hosting a local foods conference. Not only was fine food served, but attendees met local farmers and learned first hand how the food was grown. Now a Bevier Café menu featuring local food distinguishes it from other dining establishments on campus.
Farm Beginnings
Farm Beginnings is a year-long educational training and support program designed to help people plan and begin sustainable farm enterprises. Participants begin with 10 winter seminar sessions that focus on goal-setting and planning for profit. They are then offered a variety of hands-on experiences in the spring, summer, and fall, during which they network with successful, innovative farmers through apprenticeships, mentorships, field days and conferences. Farm Beginnings™ also helps beginning farmers create links with experienced farmers through farm partnerships, land and equipment use and/or rental. Instruction is geared towards small-scale operations, the kind needed for strong, local food systems. Small scale producers, like those coming out of the Farm Beginnings™ program are precisely the type of farmer that is likely to participate in developing a local food system. UIUC's involvement, in terms of coordination and speakers, represents an investment in a future local food system in Illinois.
Allerton Diversified Farm
The Diversified Farm is a model, diversified, small-scale farming operation located at the University of Illinois’ Allerton Park, near Monticello, Illinois, and is run by the Office of Continuing Education at the UIUC. The farm produces a wide variety of vegetable crops used by the Allerton Conference Center, and is also used for various programs, one of which provides internships for students seeking farming and marketing experience. The farm’s manager is Todd Statzer, an experienced grower and marketer, who has plans to diversify the farm’s enterprises into agri-forestry products and farmer training sessions to teach producers how to start and operate alternative farming enterprises for a strong local food system.
Just Food
Just Food is a student organization with the objective of renovating the university and community food systems. Many of the group’s ideas center around the formation of a student run farm. Using organic farming practices the students wish to produce a variety of vegetable crops, as well as herbs and flowers. Students will learn about growing practices, processing and packaging, marketing, and preparation of produce that is local and sustainable. One related idea is the facilitation of a summer gardening class, attended by children in the community and taught by residents of the Clark-Lindsay Village. The farm may also be home to community gardens, a Student Farmer’s Market, the introduction of local food into the dorms, and student education on various food issues.
Methods in Soil and Plant Ecology for Sustainable Systems
This three week course M, W and F at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station-Michigan State University in SW Michigan will provide you with detailed knowledge of plant ecophysiology and soil ecology advanced methods in: * Sustainable Agriculture * Natural Area Restoration
Biofuels and their potential impacts on water resources: Workshop
Join PRN for a workshop focused on helping river advocates understand the true costs of biofuel production and its impacts on Illinois’ water resources.
Intellectual Property and the EBI
"Army of worms creeps out neighborhood"
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