Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture has long been the back-bone of the United States, particularly in the Midwestern states like Ohio. In fact, even today, Ohio is a leader producer of soybeans and corn. However, with environmental changes, a global economy, and world-wide population growth, the nature of agriculture is changing. There is more and more interest in organic foods and crop production that minimizes impact to the environment – but that can continue to feed the world.
This program aims to educate students about the sustainable agriculture movement, provide hands-on experience with proven techniques, inspire creative thinking about the future of the industry, and graduate students who are ready to join the agricultural workforce.
Learn about the Specialty Gardens on LCCC’s campus.
The program offers a short-term certificate that can be earned in one semester, a one-year certificate, and an Associate Degrees. Of course, you may choose to further your education beyond LCCC through our University Partnership or transfer programs.
Sustainable Agriculture Educational Workshops
Learn more about Sustainable Agriculture with hands-on workshops hosted by Specialty Gardens Coordinator, Danielle Squire and Wild Edibles Instructor, Alison McKim.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
9 - 11 a.m.
College Center courtyard
The LCCC campus is a second home to many students, staff and faculty, but did you know that it is also a primary, secondary or temporary home of over 120 bird species? Join Danielle for her Bird Walk and Talk Series as she explores different areas of the campus natural areas in search of migrants and year-round residents! Dress according to the weather, hiking boots are recommended. It is also a good idea to bring water to drink and a notebook to jot down notes. Binoculars will be provided as needed. Meet at the fountain in the College Center courtyard. Postponed by e-mail to registrants only on account of stormy conditions. Rain dates will be the Friday of the following week.
Register by contacting Danielle Squire.
Saturday, April 29, 1-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy an herbal walk around the beautiful campus of LCCC, and meet some of the wild edible and healing plants that are growing in abundance all around us! Learn how to identify and mindfully forage these springtime plants, then relax with a guided nature-based meditation. Discover native plants that have historically been used for food and healing. Admission to this event is Free. No pre-registration necessary. Age: Teens & Adults. Location: LCCC main campus - meet outside the main entrance to Stocker Center.
Friday, May 1, 2023
4 - 5 p.m.
Making the biggest impact in our yards doesn’t come from having expensive designer landscaping and the lushest lawns in the neighborhood. While this might be a pleasure to see, true value lies in the impact your yard has on your local ecosystem. Fortunately, there are many ways to have both a beautiful, functional, and ecologically valuable yard that benefits wildlife! Join Danielle as she explores this topic and ways we can add value to our yards with Spring management. Leave with a handful of free helpful resources from ODNR, Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd., the National Audubon Society and more!
Register by contacting Danielle Squire.
Friday, May 12, 2023
9 - 11 a.m.
College Center courtyard
The LCCC campus is a second home to many students, staff and faculty, but did you know that it is also a primary, secondary or temporary home of over 120 bird species? Join Danielle for her Bird Walk and Talk Series as she explores different areas of the campus natural areas in search of migrants and year-round residents! Dress according to the weather, hiking boots are recommended. It is also a good idea to bring water to drink and a notebook to jot down notes. Binoculars will be provided as needed. Meet at the fountain in the College Center courtyard. Postponed by e-mail to registrants only on account of stormy conditions. Rain dates will be the Friday of the following week.
Register by contacting Danielle Squire.
Friday, May 26, 2023
9 - 11 a.m.
College Center courtyard
The LCCC campus is a second home to many students, staff and faculty, but did you know that it is also a primary, secondary or temporary home of over 120 bird species? Join Danielle for her Bird Walk and Talk Series as she explores different areas of the campus natural areas in search of migrants and year-round residents! Dress according to the weather, hiking boots are recommended. It is also a good idea to bring water to drink and a notebook to jot down notes. Binoculars will be provided as needed. Meet at the fountain in the College Center courtyard. Postponed by e-mail to registrants only on account of stormy conditions. Rain dates will be the Friday of the following week.
Register by contacting Danielle Squire.
Friday, June 9, 2023
9 - 11 a.m.
College Center courtyard
The LCCC campus is a second home to many students, staff and faculty, but did you know that it is also a primary, secondary or temporary home of over 120 bird species? Join Danielle for her Bird Walk and Talk Series as she explores different areas of the campus natural areas in search of migrants and year-round residents! Dress according to the weather, hiking boots are recommended. It is also a good idea to bring water to drink and a notebook to jot down notes. Binoculars will be provided as needed. Meet at the fountain in the College Center courtyard. Postponed by e-mail to registrants only on account of stormy conditions. Rain dates will be the Friday of the following week.
Register by contacting Danielle Squire.
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Join three excellent faculty with diverse areas of expertise who are devoted to helping you explore the wide array of careers in sustainable agriculture. SAGR 114 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture offers a perfect combination of pre-scheduled farm tours with flexible scheduling. You can choose to tour on Fridays OR Saturdays from 1 – 3 p.m. Visit the local farms and gardens who are cultivating food and community in Northeast Ohio. You can complete the online lecture according to your own schedule. Grow your own spirit of resilience!
Sustainable Agriculture Programs at LCCC
Permaculture Design Certification
Includes 5 credit hours:
Short-Term Technical Certificates
One-Year Certificates
BASF Plant Science Certification
Sustainable Agriculture Certificate
Associate Degrees
Associate of Science in Sustainable Agriculture
University Partnership Program
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree – On LCCC’s Campus
Some Sustainable Agriculture Program courses may transfer to this university partnership program:
Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bowling Green State University
Contact the Program Coordinator
Dr. Ruby Beil
(440) 366-7222
rbeil@lorainccc.edu