University of Maryland Hosts 2nd Annual Terp Farm Fall Harvest Festival

2nd Annual Terp Farm Fall Harvest Festival

September 21, 2016 Graham Binder

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland will host the 2nd annual Terp Farm Fall Harvest Festival on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Terp Farm, a collaborative project between UMD Dining Services, the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and the Office of Sustainability.

Terp Farm occupies five acres at UMD’s Upper Marlboro agriculture research facility located 15 miles south of College Park, Md. Formerly the campus’ tobacco research farm, the Upper Marlboro site has transformed into a research facility for diverse crops and now hosts the production of vegetables and cut flowers for campus. Terp Farm places a particular focus on harvesting vegetables for preparation and consumption in UMD dining halls and catering functions. Produce is also donated to food-insecure members of the campus through the Campus Pantry program and nearby communities. From an educational perspective, Terp Farm embodies the University’s land-grant mission as an accessible resource for the student body, providing regular opportunities for hands-on farming, learning and training.

“We were humbled and thrilled by the success of the inaugural festival, and knew we had to make this a yearly event to expose greater numbers of the University community to the amazing things happening at Terp Farm,” said Allison Tjaden, Assistant Director of New Initiatives for Dining Services and manager of Terp Farm. “Terps growing food for other Terps, the built-in educational opportunities for our student body, and the deep history rooted in this research facility make this such a special opportunity for all to experience. Plus, free food, free transportation, and games certainly sweeten the deal!”

This fall-themed event will feature food made with fresh ingredients grown at Terp Farm, a live performance from the Hayley Fahey Band, farm tours, pumpkin painting and information tables and activities provided by the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

UMD faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the Terp Farm Fall Harvest Festival on Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m. Free transportation to and from Terp Farm will be provided on the day of the festival. Shuttles provided by the Department of Transportation Services will be leaving from the side of The Stamp Student Union at Union Lane every half hour from 2:00 pm until 4:30 and returning from the farm every half hour from 3:15 until 6:15.

The address is 2005 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20744. Free parking will be available at the farm.  

Please visit the Terp Farm Fall Harvest Festival event page for additional information.