More about Agriculture
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The Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship
The Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship (CAES) was created to teach and inspire people to use principles and practices of sustainability in agriculture and everyday life. Building on a successful Beginning Farmer Training program, the CAES offers workshops, field days, presentations, community forums, and guided tours covering topics ranging from sustainable agriculture to green living, environmental science, and local food.
The Robert Ware Straus Ecosystem Farm
Located along the Potomac River, the Robert Ware Straus Ecosystem Farm is the Accokeek Foundation’s eight-acre certified organic farm. Host to a seasonal apprentice program, the Ecosystem Farm serves as a teaching model for sustainable agriculture and the future of farming.
Subjected for centuries to continuous crop production, the farm suffered from loss of topsoil and poor drainage and fertility. A goal of this farm project is to demonstrate innovative and regenerative farming techniques on this marginal soil.
The farm is highly productive, offering fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, which are sold through a Community Supported Agriculture program. Members of the program buy a SHARE (which stands for “Sustainable Harvest, Adaptive Research and Education”) in the harvest and invest in the core principles behind our farm’s operation.
