From farmer’s markets to chicken naming contests, the UCCS Farm hosts events designed to encourage students to connect with the resources offered at the Farmhouse.
The Farmhouse, which is open to all students, creates a place where “students [can] have and acquire fresh produce,” according to Polly Knutson, the director of sustainability programming and the Farm. Knutson has created a series of events running from April to October that encourage student engagement with sustainability and the Farm.
Nourish and Flourish
Almost every Friday, the Farm hosts a Nourish and Flourish event from 8 a.m. to noon. “That’s an open time for anyone who wants to come up to the Farm to practice or learn gardening techniques,” Knutson said.
At Nourish and Flourish events, students learn essential gardening skills and help plant produce that will be grown at the farm.
Day of Service
On the campus-wide Day of Service on April 19, volunteers at the Farm will relocate beehives. The beehives will be moved to the back of the building to encourage better honey and wax production from the bees.
The Day of Service sign-up can be found on Mountain Lion Connect. Volunteers sign up for three-hour slots and can choose different places on campus to serve. Choosing to serve at the Farm will help the Farmhouse ensure the safety and health of its flowers and essential pollinators.
Farmers Market
The second annual Farmer’s Market will be held in parking lot 103 every other Friday from noon to 4 p.m. starting June 27 and running until Oct. 3. At the farmer’s markets, students and community members will be able to purchase fresh produce grown at the Farm. Each week, the markets will host local vendors and food trucks.
For student vendors, the Farm provides the tent, table and chairs needed to sell at the market. “All students have to do is show up with their products and sell,” Knutson said. The market offers students an opportunity to connect with business owners in the Colorado Springs area.
“It’s a really fun way for students to try their entrepreneurial skills out in the real world, be working right next to business owners and be able to pick their brain and establish relationships,” Knutson said.
Chicken and Duck Naming Contest
To find names for the new chickens and ducks born in the spring, the Farm is hosting a naming competition on their Instagram. Once a week, the Farm will post pictures of each chicken and duck under the tag #GoGreen.
Each post will contain a picture of the animal, a quick “dating profile” description and a poll with possible names for the birds. In addition to the names on the poll, the Farm will be accepting other name suggestions for each chick and duckling.
Plant Sale
Starting April 15, the Farm will be holding their annual plant sale. Plants can be purchased online from April 15 to May 1 and in person from May 8 to 10.
The sale will feature a variety of plants including tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers. All plants purchased online can be picked up May 8 to 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.
“We encourage students to come in and free pick,” said Knutson. “We want [students] to feel comfortable coming here. This is your space … use it.”
The greenhouse is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can visit the greenhouse and pick any vegetables or herbs they want. The Farm is working on installing signs that have details about each plant and the best time to harvest them.
If students are unable to come by the greenhouse during operating hours they can visit the farm stand. “Anything that we harvest and aren’t able to use we put into the farm stand at the front of the farmhouse, and that’s open 24/7,” Knutson said.
The farmhouse is located at 14 Cragmor Village Road behind parking lot 103.
Flowers and herbs grow in the greenhouse at the farmhouse. Photo by Logan Cole.