Step onto Chico State’s 800-acre University Farm this Earth Day and experience the sights, sounds and smells of sustainable farming—from orchards and livestock to student-run operations shaping the future of agriculture.
The tours showcase the farm’s crops, livestock, and orchards, highlighting sustainable practices by offering a firsthand look at how the farm manages land, water, and crops to support long-term productivity and stewardship. Visitors also get to hear how students apply their classroom knowledge on the farm, from the soil to caring for the animals. Guests will receive a free food basket from the North Valley Food Hub while supplies last.
Student agricultural ambassadors lead the tours, which are offered as both trolley and walking options, each lasting about 90 minutes. Shuttles will transport visitors from campus to the farm for the start of each tour.
The trolley tour will leave campus at 1:30 p.m. and return at 4:15 p.m. The walking tour shuttle will leave campus at 3 p.m. and return at 5:15 p.m. The transportation has been arranged through Parking Services, making the tour more accessible for students by reducing barriers that may keep people from participating and highlighting more sustainable transportation options.
“Attendees can expect a guided, immersive experience, designed to be both educational and engaging,” said Cherie Higgs, Program Coordinator for the Associated Students Sustainability Program.
Guests will also have the opportunity to stop by the farm store at the end of the tour to explore and purchase locally produced food items like locally baked bread and freshly harvested honey.
“Everything from plants grown in the greenhouses to cuts of meat from the Meat Lab and units,” said Lauren Lawor, a sophomore Agriculture Communications major who was an intern at the farm’s sheep unit. “I really love the people I run into while in there; the Farm Store is where everyone comes together.”
The University Farm is one of four full-scale California State University farms (Fresno, Pomona, Cal Poly SLO and Chico). However, Chico’s farm is the only university farm in the Western United States that produces all-organic dairy. Chico’s farm has been a central aspect of the College of Agriculture since the 1960s, as a living lab that offers hands-on learning opportunities and applied research for agriculture students through different units and internships, providing students with real experience.
“Attendees will see first-hand how the farm manages land, water, crops, and animals in ways that support long-term productivity and stewardship,” Higgs said.
The farm is connected to the broader community, especially Chico State. The farm specifically plays into these campus services by the Organic Vegetable Unit, providing produce to the Wildcat Pantry. As well as supporting programs like Basic Needs Project, EJ Dining Hall, and Wildcat Den.
Beyond the Earth Day tour, students can explore hands-on opportunities at the farm through volunteer roles, internships and academic programs.
“We have over 10 programs and countless opportunities for folks to get involved. Programs like AS Sustainability, Green Campus, and the Sustainability Affairs Council, College Corps, and for our graduating wildcats, Climate Action Corps,” Higgs said.
The farm’s main focus is to support students in the College of Agriculture, including majors such as Ag Business, Animal Science, Plant & Soil Science, and Agriculture Education & Communications. All agriculture students have classes that meet on the farm implemented into their program as a living lab, giving them the chance to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings. “Not only do we as students get to observe how procedures are done, but with such experienced faculty, we then get to partake in them,” Lawlor said.
Students who want to volunteer can reach out directly to unit staff or inquire at the farm office, Patton said. Ensuring there are hands-on opportunities year-round.
Sign-ups for the Earth Day Farm Tours at the University Farm open on Monday at 8 a.m. through Friday at 11:45 p.m. for both the walking and trolley tours. The tour itself will happen on April 21. To sign up, go to CatsConnect. It is important to remember to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle, according to CatsConnect.
Lucy Bokowski can be reached at [email protected]
