PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
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 greenspaces 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 greenspaces 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
Programs & Activities
Koiner Farm
One-acre urban farm in downtown Silver Spring, protected under a conservation easement collectively held by CKC and MET - Koiner Farm is CKC's flagship farm where our full suite of services are offered
Prosperity Community Farm
An eighth-acre community farm in Wheaton, managed by IMPACT Silver Spring with seed start and land tenure support from CKC
Urban Sanctuary Farm
A half-acre farm in Wheaton, located on private property that is managed by property owners with technical assistance and land tenure support from CKC
8,000 pounds of produce grown per year
4,000 pounds of produce donated per year
12 volunteerships per year
4 urban farmer 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
15 field trips to the farm per year
200+ student visitors per year
28 internships per year
We offer ~100 opportunities per year to engage with your neighborhood farm ...
48 Open Farmstand Days
10 Summer Concerts on the Farm
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