MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE’S URBAN ARGICULTURE PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN FOOD CROP PRODUCTION
McHenry County College’s newly-added Urban Agriculture specialty degree option gives students an opportunity to pursue careers in the growing field of small-scale food crop production. MCC urban agriculture students are introduced to hydroponics, growing organic fruits and vegetables, and get an overview of composting and soil building, maximizing use of production areas, organic pest control, extending the growing season, standards and marketing.
Rich Tobiasz’ Organic and Sustainable Practices class visited the Loyola Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock for a tour of the farm, which is as close to a sustainable food operation as you can get. They were guided by farm manager Emily Zack, an MCC graduate. The following week, the class visited a compost facility at Midwest Organics Recycling in McHenry.
McHenry County College students practice using a broadfork during Organic and Sustainable Practices class visit to the Loyola Retreat and Ecology Center. Many of the students are enrolled in the College’s Urban Agriculture specialty option in the Horticulture degree program.