Would you like to become closer to the soil around us?

How about a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture?

“Emerging research says time spent working the soil is a means to build community, improve strength and fitness, slow dementia in seniors, and improve school performance in teens.” Daphne Miller, MD, “How Dirt Heals Us”

Are you interested in organic food, sustainability, and improving soil health to help fight climate change? A certificate in Sustainable Agriculture that is being offered by Westchester Community College and Hilltop Hanover Farm may be just what you are seeking.

This on-line program has been designed to meet the needs of the aspiring farmer, community gardener, homesteader, backyard gardener, educator, and everyday concerned citizen. The courses are especially relevant in today’s world, as people have become more concerned about the quality of soil, the environment, animal welfare, and taking charge of their own health. These concerns then lead to an increased demand for organic food and interest in sustainability. This program addresses all these concerns: topics ranging from soil health, gut health and organic methods to small-scale livestock, and garden planning.

Spring 2018 enrollment is now open! What should make the courses even more attractive for busy people is that they are now being offered on-line. For the core courses, four of the five sessions are completed on-line and with the last class on-site at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights. The elective classes consist of three on-line sessions with one session at Hilltop Hanover Farm. The on-site farm classes will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturdays.

Spring 2018 schedule is the following:

Introduction to Organic Growing - January 8 -29 online and Saturday, February 3, 2018 at HHF.

New! Small Scale Livestock – January 22-February 5 online and Saturday, February 10, 2018 at HHF.

New! Soil to Stomach – February 12-26 online and Saturday, March 3, 2108 at HHF.

New! Advanced Gardening – March 5-26 online and Saturday, March 31, 2018 at HHF.

New! Weeds and Pests – April 2-23 online and Saturday, April 28, 2018 at HHF.

New! Garden Planning – April 23-May 7 online and Friday, May 11 at HHF.

In order to complete the non- credit Certificate Program, one must complete nine courses and a summer internship at Hilltop Hanover Farm. If you do not wish to complete the entire program, you may select individual courses to suit your needs.

To register, or for more information, call Westchester Community College at 914-606-6830 (and press 1), or register online at www.sunywcc.edu/ce