Environment, Technology, and Economy (ETE) Program of College Park Scholars Returned to CMREC for the 20th Year
Tim Knight , Director - Environment, Technology, and Economy, College Park Scholars
On August 26, 2022, the students of the Environment, Technology, and Economy (ETE) program of College Park Scholars returned to C
MREC for the 20 th year. Sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural R
esources, ETE teaches incoming students about sustainability and food systems as they transition to the University of Maryland. To begin that process, we volunteer at CMREC and the nearby Clagett Farm, giving students a chance to form friendships even before classes start.
This year, one group labeled 1,680 honey jars (70 cases) that were used for the Kids Growing with Grains project at the Maryland State Fair and 4H events. One Terp Farm group harvested about 500 lbs of basil. That, along with what others will harvest from that field is expected to be enough to supply all of the pesto that will be served in dining halls on campus this year. The butternut squash group harvested about 2500 lbs of butternut squash, which will be served in the dining halls and donated to the campus pantry. The group working with Alan Leslie harvested about a ton of tomatoes of different varieties, which will be served at the dining hall and donated to the campus pantry. The groups working with Mariah Dean and Cerruti Hooks harvested about 400 pounds of tomatoes and peppers, all of which will be donated to a pantry in Prince George's County. The Clagett groups harvested 1300 lbs of tomatoes, which will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank and distributed in the Clagett CSA. In addition, students worked together, formed friendships, and started to build the bonds that make ETE special and will stick with them through college and their lives.