Rocky Park Farm has a heart for students and a long-term mission has been to educate them about the benefits of farming for the earth, one’s lifestyle, and instilling the important role farming plays in providing for the community at large. Over the past two months we have been blessed to have both local high school and college student groups grace the farm with their energy and inquisitiveness.
A high school biology, chemistry, and engineering class from Concorde Christian Academy has visited the farm twice. They decided during the first visit to take on creating their own aquaponics system and to keep it on the farm. A second visit to the farm had the class checking on their work in progress, and they were in for a treat.
During this visit from Concord Christian guest educator, Dr. Julie Konkel, Ph.D, an Assistant Professor in Environmental Science at Maryville College and the Watershed Coordinator for Blount County, TN, presented information to the students and helped answer their questions about sustainable farming.
Our relationship with Maryville College
This collaboration, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 between Rocky Park Farm and Maryville College, highlights the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and education. Rocky Park Farm is honored to be an extension of the classroom to Maryville College students and faculty. Not only Maryville College interns but also students across various disciplines are given the opportunity to learn further and deeper through hands-on farm experiences.
A prime example: Dr. Julie Konkel’s class utilized Rocky Park Farm to conduct a significant portion of their final exam. The farm’s rich history, mission of sustainability, and educational methodology provided a unique and practical learning experience. The class explored the farm’s operations, including composting techniques and the innovative Maryville College Aquaponic Growing Project. Guided tours of the greenhouse and field grow beds further deepened their understanding of sustainable farming practices.
The Rocky Park Farm family very honored to be a place where students all ages and interests can come to expand their understanding of and have practical hands-on experiences such as these! For more information or to speak with our farm’s owner, Dr. Jim Kirksey, to schedule an educational student tour, please call: (865) 250-3475