PROGRAMS, IMPACT & FAQs
The food system upon which we depend is unsustainable for farmers, consumers and the planet. Solving the agricultural problems of this era requires innovative, healthy, caring individuals, armed with the experience and understanding to tackle these challenges by 'working locally and thinking globally.'
Alongside our partners, CKC is working to protect urban green spaces that function as fundamental community-led, nature-sensitive, socially-responsible assets that are geared towards addressing these problems.
Read our call to County Council to include a comprehensive green infrastructure plan as a core priority of THIVE 2050.
In order to maximize the benefits that protected green spaces provide, CKC focuses specifically on regenerative food production in urban neighborhoods. We do this through three programs areas:
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Land Stewardship
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Farm Management
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Education
These three program areas are inter-dependent and collectively provide unique opportunities for people to connect, explore, discuss, learn and innovate in the pursuit of a safe, smart and sustainable local food system.
"Urban farms should no longer be considered a temporary or interim use for vacant plots. They are the future and need to be protected."
- Hannah Sholder, CKC Founder and Director of Land Stewardship
Koiner Farm, Silver Spring
One-acre urban farm protected under a conservation easement collectively held by CKC and MET
Prosperity Community Farm, Wheaton
An eighth-acre community farm managed by IMPACT Silver Spring with land tenure assistance from CKC
Fern Glade Farm, Wheaton
A half-acre farm on private property managed by property owners with technical assistance and land tenure support from CKC
9,000 pounds fresh local produce per year
4,000 pounds donated per year
12 volunteerships per year
28 internships per year
4 workshops per year
12,500 lbs kitchen scraps accepted per year
20 cubic yards compost produced and used on-site per year
Supporting Small Businesses
7 local businesses selling their products at Koiner Farm and/or using our services
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
15 field trips to the farm per year
200+ student visitors per year
We offer ~100 opportunities per year to engage with your neighborhood farm ...
48 on-farm Farmers Market Days
10 "Music on the Farm" evenings
35 yoga & meditation classes
2 Neighborhood Volunteer Days
2 Community Stewardship Meetings
1 week of Pumpkin Lighting
2,500+ visitors to Koiner Farm per year
LAND STEWARDSHIP
FARM MANAGEMENT
FAQs ABOUT URBAN FARMING
#1. What is the difference between an urban farm and a community garden?
Definitions for both urban farm and community garden can vary, and some projects may fall somewhere in between. In general though, a community garden is run by a core group of community members with the goal of growing food for themselves and their families. Community gardens can be individual plots or communal beds. On the other hand, urban farms are production-oriented and grow food for others – whether for sale or for donation. Urban farms may be organized individually or cooperatively, as a for-profit or a non-profit, on private land or on public land. Other common terms for urban farms include "neighborhood farm," "city farm" or "community farm."
#2. Why are urban farms significant?
#3. How much food can you really grow on urban land?
#4. What is the Montgomery County Urban Ag & Farmland Access Innitiative?
#5. What is the Montgomery County Agriculture Reserve?