Mission
To train and educate members of the IWU-Marion campus, Marion, and Grant County community about agriculture and enhance community wellness through educational opportunities and increased access to local fresh produce.
Founded in 2012, Alliance Gardens seeks to train and educate members of the IWU and Grant County communities about sustainable agriculture. The garden serves as an outdoor teaching laboratory for IWU undergraduates to learn about sustainable practices both for the environment and agriculture.
Undergraduate students are involved in the garden through various IWU courses. Internships are also available over the summer session for a more immersive experience. In Fall 2020, Dr. Noseworthy was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Boren Foundation to build a new outdoor classroom. The classroom will be finished after the 2021 summer season and ready for use in fall 2021!
Secondly, Alliance Gardens partners with Grant County communities to educate members about sustainable agriculture practices. We welcome volunteers, partnering with educators for field trips, and anyone who is interested in what we are doing here in Marion! If you are interested, click here.
Furthermore, in Spring 2021, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Indiana Wesleyan University a five-year $500,000 grant that will fund a USDA Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) program at IWU—a program that seeks to enhance sustainable food production. The first group of researchers are working an 8-week session this summer!
The Alliance Gardens is an educational farm committed to using sustainable agricultural techniques and practicing biblical stewardship principles to cultivate community while seeking to develop a stronger, more equitable local food system.