At Augustana College in Rock Island, a student-run urban farm and club called Augie Acres contributes fresh food to both the college and community. Students cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables for donation on about half of the 1-acre plot and plan to fill the unused portion with native plants. The garden produces crops ranging from tomatoes, peppers and zucchini to corn, cucumbers, beans and berries, all grown organically and given back to the college’s students and organizations in the Quad Cities area.
In addition to growing and donating food, the club seeks to educate members on gardening practices and food-related issues while promoting ecological citizenship, experimental thinking and community through weekly garden workdays and club meetings. Learn more about the Augie Acres garden and club at sites.google.com/augustana.edu/augieacres.
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