Sandy Smith Nonini, an anthropology professor at UNC, is teaching a class this spring called "Creating a Sustainable Agriculture." The focus of study is local food systems, something we're all pumped-up about around here. As a service-learning course, Chestnut Ridge was fortunate to receive two student volunteers to engage at The Community Farm. We've enjoyed getting to know Justin and Sarah, and not just for their prowess with a shovel. Following is what their time at Chestnut Ridge has been like...

Volunteering at the community farm has been one of my most interesting and fulfilling experiences in college. Just learning the basics of sustainable agriculture and the various approaches have opened my eyes to completely new ways of farming. I never thought I would have such a great, hands-on, opportunity to engage in service and learn at the same time. I continue to learn new things every time I come to the community farm, whether it's how to build a pea trellis or just gaining general knowledge on gardening and planting techniques. - Justin, UNC senior

Before volunteering at The Community Farm, I knew nothing about gardening, growing food, or taking care of animals, such as goats. Working here, I've helped make beds for the garden, planted some things such as peas and lettuce, and even got to spend some time with the adorable goats. It's been really great to learn about the sustainable ways to produce food and how to work with nature and natural systems instead of against them. One aspect of sustainable agriculture that Chestnut Ridge opened my eyes to is how producing/growing food ties into connecting with individual people and the community and how this can be used to bring people together and solve problems within a community. - Sarah, UNC freshman