Studies within the last ten years have assessed the impacts of educational agriculture on schools and surrounding communities. Research shows that educating students about agriculture through experiential learning creates place attachment and improves food appreciation while building confidence and agency.
Landscapes serve as an outdoor classroom for agricultural education.
Research suggests that landscapes can empower students to be leaders and make informed decisions through educational agriculture:
Designing educational agriculture landscapes requires a thoughtful approach that integrates functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. These landscapes serve as vital educational tools, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students while fostering an appreciation for agriculture and the environment. Key considerations include the presence of natural systems and resources, creating environments that foster food appreciation, and including experiential learning opportunities. Balancing these elements creates an enriching environment that supports both learning and the well-being of the environment.
For successful design of educational agriculture landscapes, we identified three important considerations:
The following case studies provide real-world examples of how Educational Agriculture can be beneficial for not only students but the community as a whole.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Date Designed / Built: 2006
Client: The youth at Gary Comer Research Center and Gary Comer
Designer: John Ronan Architects
Location: Gladstone, New Jersey
Date Designed / Built: 2003
Client: The Willow School students, faculty, and community members
Designer: Back to Nature Landscape Architects
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Date Designed / Built: 2009
Client: Yale University
Designer: Olin Studio Firm in Philadelphia
Location: Tuscon, Arizona
Date Designed / Built: 2015
Client: University of Arizona
Designer: Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture