BIOL126

Description

This course is an introduction to urban agroecology. Students will explore plant biology and basic growing techniques, sustainable agriculture practices, soil ecology, beneficial insect and pest management and the techniques used to most effectively grow food in urban spaces. This course will also foster community engagement. Students will work on a collaborative class project in our urban gardens on campus in partnership with the Herban Gardeners student club and be introduced to local urban gardening nonprofits in Worcester (the Regional Environmental Council, Native Plant Trust). Through a combination of classroom instruction, projects in campus gardens, participation in community service-learning experiences, and field trips to innovative urban garden projects in Worcester, students will gain a hands-on understanding of urban agroecological techniques and community food security.