Trevecca Nazarene University’s Urban Farm was recognized by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) as a winner of the 2015 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The Urban Farm won the award in the category titled “Environmental Education and Outreach – Schools" for its efforts to educate people in the surrounding neighborhoods about sustainability and farming.

Located at the back corner of the university’s campus, the Urban Farm was built in 2011 as a teaching tool for students to learn how to help food-insecure neighborhoods, as well as for community members to learn how to grow their own food in an area known as a “food desert,” since food is not closely accessible to those living in the neighborhood.

The farm is operated by Jason Adkins, environmental projects coordinator and professor at Trevecca.

The farm helps conserve fuel that would otherwise have been needed to truck in food for members of the community where it is set. Farm staff, students, and volunteers have been among those who have helped keep the farm running, as well as teach the locals about farming — especially in an urban setting.

Projects included farm camps, two community gardens used for growing food, and presentations locally, nationally, and worldwide in places like the Philippines. 

Chris Farrell, emeritus professor of biology and the environment, has been heavily involved with many of the farm projects since the farm first began.

“The most gratifying thing about the unfolding of this community resource is the number of students and community members that are excited and continue to contribute in unusual ways,” Farrell said. “Jason Adkins and I have often found ourselves in awe of the way in which this farm grows."

TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau spoke about the award winners.

“The quality of our environment directly impacts our quality of life, impacting how Tennesseans live, work, and play," he said. "It’s important that we pause to recognize the people and organizations that work so hard to protect our environment while teaching others about sustainability.”

The awards program “recognizes exceptional voluntary actions that improve or protect the environment and natural resources with projects or initiatives not required by law or regulation,” according to the statement released by TDEC.

Trevecca will officially receive the honor June 23 at an award ceremony for the 2015 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards in Nashville.

--Trevecca Nazarene University