The Environmental Leadership Program is a two semester program that allows students from any major to promote positive environmental practices in the community and gain leadership skills and networking opportunities. In the fall semester students go through training to learn more about the environment and leadership. In the spring, students use the skills learned in the fall semester to complete an environmentally themed project with a community partner. I was fortunate to be paired with the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District to do my project focused around sustainable agriculture and gardening education.
The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of the State of Florida that encourages community members to get involved in agriculture, supports farmers and ranchers, and encourages sustainable conservation practices in Duval County. My project included educating Duval County citizens in person and online about sustainable living and farming. These educational opportunities included Instagram posts and speaking and organizing the Start Farming Panel. Instagram Content covered topics such as sustainable living,
gardening tips, and plant recommendations. I also shared posts about upcoming environmental events in Northeast Florida and informational posts about the conservation district. The Start Farming Panel allowed community members to connect with Jacksonville’s farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders to learn more about starting agricultural businesses. Topics including getting grants, managing finances, reducing pests, networking, and caring for plants and animals were discussed.
The overall impact of this project was increasing community member engagement and excitement about sustainable agriculture. Twenty people attended the Start Farming Panel, and Instagram engagement increased by 800%.
