District receives exclusive tour of Back40
Written by Sophie Leopold, photos by Kendra Frankle
SCAD’s Back40 Garden and Apiary continues to thrive while welcoming more visitors inside its gates. On Thursday, April 25, the Back40 team hosted a press event for the SCAD administration and public relations departments, in addition to local news outlets. Kendra Frankle, first year photography major, and Sophie Leopold, second year writing major, had the honor of representing student media on behalf of District.
President Paula Wallace defines Back40 as a legacy project for SCAD’s 40th anniversary. Wallace said Back40 is a continuation of the sustainability principles SCAD has already implemented, often in the form of historical preservation. The garden also presented another channel for SCAD’s dedication to service. “Volunteerism with a big V,” Wallace said.
Upon arrival at the farm, participants were met with friendly smiles, Arnold Palmers and introductions with Wallace. After greetings, guests were divided into two groups for comprehensive tours of the Back40 facilities. Student volunteers were posted around the grounds, each responsible for sharing a bit of the Back40 story.
“Farm is used (to describe) Back40 more than garden,” said fourth year architecture major Nicholas Harmon, an information guide at Thursday’s event. “Gardens are just about planting plants. Farming is a hands-on business. The business of farming is eye opening for anyone.”
According to Harmon, urban farming is when little land is used to grow a variety of plants, with or without alternative methods. Back40 is currently raising mostly edible plants on one acre of land, with room for expansion into five acres.
Monica Clarke, a fourth year animation student, elaborated on Back40’s innovative growing methods. With an organic certification in progress, Back40 looks for ways to support the plants naturally. Powder made from crushed volcanic rock takes the place of conventional pesticides. Clarke also highlighted the spring crops growing near her station, which included tomatoes, cucumbers, pink celery, blueberries, flowers and herbs.
Following the tour, guests gathered in the pavilion for refreshments. The honey making space was transformed into an abundant buffet of fruit, cheese, charcuterie and sweets. Before diving into the hors d’oeuvres, visitors gained some bee keeping knowledge from Brooks Davis, a fourth year architecture student. According to Davis, Back40 bee count is approaching 350,000 insects throughout sixteen hives. Each Hive has the potential to produce 80 to 100 pounds of honey, with Back40 already looking forward to two harvests in its first year of operation. Davis, an Eagle Scout, said he takes this way of giving back close to heart.
