Just in time for farmers market season, the next Monmouth Associates program will focus on the Monmouth College Educational Garden and Farm.
The May 16 luncheon, which will be held at noon at Meks on Main, 201 North Main Street, will be the final meeting of Monmouth Associates for the 2023-24 academic year. The speakers will be faculty members Eric Engstrom, who teaches biology, and Craig Vivian from educational studies.
Founded in 2010 by now-retired faculty member Craig Watson and a dedicated core of Monmouth students, the Monmouth Educational Garden and Farm started as a half-acre garden tucked among student housing and producing vegetables and fruit. The project now encompasses more than three hectares in which vegetables, grains, legumes, honey, eggs and blueberries are among the crops cultivated.
Managed jointly by Monmouth’s Center for Civic and Social Change and the Rural Education Initiative, the Educational Garden and Farm provides opportunities for both Monmouth College students and Warren County elementary school students to immerse themselves in sustainable farming within a rural community and formulate questions about the future of our food systems.
The presentation on the garden and farm is free, but there is a $17 charge per ticket to eat lunch at the event. Individuals attending the meal are asked to make reservations by May 13 at 309-457-2323 or at alumni@monmouthcollege.edu.
Parking will be available in the city lot at North First Street and East Archer Avenue or at the corner of North Main Street and West Boston Avenue.
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
