A $251,000 funding grant from TD is creating spaces for community engagement at a Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) farm.
This three-year funding will support a number of new initiatives at the KPU Farm, including the development of an Indigenous Medicine Garden guided by the Musqueam First Nation, as well as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Garden developed alongside KPU’s Traditional Chinese Medicine program.
“These ‘living classrooms’ are meant to reflect the cultural diversity of Richmond, where the KPU Farm is located, and put reconciliation into practice,” says Dr. Rebecca Harbut, Chair of the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program at KPU. “We’re very grateful to TD for their continued support, which has allowed us to create these spaces that are both ecologically and culturally significant, and expand opportunities for education and connection across the community.”
Other initiatives supported include community workshops and events, with many catering to youth; the construction of a year-round outdoor teaching and gathering space; and the planting of hundreds of native plants from over 60 species, which can help strengthen biodiversity and support local bird and insect species.
This funding also supports ongoing initiatives at KPU Farm, including two community spaces — a food forest and a Learning Garden that facilitates community engagement and experiential learning. Another continuing initiative is the KPU Farm Volunteer Program, which provides opportunities to learn about local and sustainable food systems through hands-on farming.
“We are a certified organic farm, and like to share sustainable farming and gardening practices with our community. The KPU Farm Volunteer Program is a great way for the community to engage with the space and learn about ecological restoration and biodiversity, and how you can plant different types of native plants in your own gardens at home,” says Alex Bisset, Community Outreach Liaison at KPU's Department of Sustainable Agriculture.
"Places like KPU Farm show how green spaces can bring people together to learn from the land, from cultural knowledge and from one another. TD is proud to support this work as the Farm expands opportunities for students and community members to connect, share knowledge and take part in meaningful cultural experiences rooted in community," says Joshua Cayer, Manager, Philanthropy, Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.
The KPU Farm, located on the Garden City Lands near KPU Richmond, is a living laboratory for students learning about regenerative organic agriculture. The eight-hectare farm is operated by KPU's Department of Sustainable Agriculture, highlighting diversified, sustainable, regenerative and organic production practices. Students study and practice at the farm while working toward their Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture.
