Here are some photos from the tour at MCCC:
The sign directing onto the site from Raisinville Road
View of the plots being used by the students enrolled in the MCCC classes to teach urban farming.
Plot…the project has been made available thru a two year MSU grant
The group was met by Andy McCain MCCC program coordinator and Nick Beaudrie student intern.
Nick described as he passed out detailed information-just what his job–a student intern involves. The two of them gave a very informative talk on the program as a whole. An example of the labels used for each crop–allowing collection of detailed data which is then analyzed and used later as reference.
In this view, can you see the plots along the top edge?????……….the 12 acre college farm is also home to crop plots which are managed by the MSU Dept. of Entomology & 3 of its graduate students. They have planted corn and soybeans and do testing of various treatments used to control pests and insects in the soil–documenting the effects on each. These results can then be shared with farmers and those who develop products for use in farm fields.
In addition to the cherry tomatos, the group also planted Okra- Kale, variety of peppers, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, greenbeans, lettuce, cucumbers and squash. All crops are donated to a variety
of charitable food banks. The group listened as Nick & Andy spoke of using ornamental kale
as a food source.
Okra Flower—
In addition to crops, they have planted flowers to entice the pollinators. This project created another collaborative-one with the Monroe Bee Keepers Club who after much controversy, erected this bee hive.
Some good honey coming soon–which can also be shared with the group.
This is a great project–long overdue for our farming community and I personally hope that the grant can be extended to continue this after the 2 yr. time frame. Connie and Gail are going to do some outreach and hopefully bring a like project to the south county area. Andy and Nick- Keep up the good work. Further reading on this venture can be found in the Monroe Evening News articles on June 9 & July 14, 2018.
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
I agree-long over due but a well planned project with far reaching benefits. The culinary arts students will also be introduced to the gardens and use farm to table good in their studies. Thank you for posting.