Updated on 9.17 – This fall something innovative is growing on The Ohio State University at Mansfield campus.
Last month, Kent “Kip” Curtis, Assistant Professor of History, along with Ohio State Mansfield graduate Tyler Arter were joined by 30 students from the Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability program at Ohio State Columbus. The group came to the Mansfield campus to help begin construction of a micro-farm.
Two high tunnels and 20 additional raised beds are being built to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for the campus cafeteria and at a reduced cost for nearby north end Mansfield residents. The goal is to develop a profitable, growing strategy on small-plot, high-yield raised beds and high tunnel growing environments as a component of a larger urban production system also in development. The growing site is one-third of an acre.
Curtis explains, “We hope to begin to model the cutting edge of urban agriculture and demonstrate its promise for an evolving food system.” He hopes to add more micro-farms on campus next to the one that’s under construction.
The micro-farm is made possible through a $100,000 grant from The Ohio State University’s President and Provost Council on Sustainability.
“This is their first investment in a regional campus and they are very excited about what they see here because it helps them meet the campus university sustainability goals even faster,” Curtis said.
Professor Curtis and his crew have a standing volunteer time for the micro-farm on Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Lot #9 on the Mansfield Campus. All volunteers from the campus or the community are welcome to come and assist.
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