What is the Urban Farm?
In operation since 1976, the University of Oregon Urban Farm is a model for alternative urban land use where people grow food, work together, take care of the land, and build community. Throughout its history as part of the Department of Landscape Architecture, the Urban Farm has been a place and a process integrating biological, ecological, economic, and social concerns.

Is the Urban Farm going away?
No. The College of Design, the School of Architecture and Environment, and the Department of Landscape Architecture are fully committed to the urban farming program, and we deeply value the experiences it affords students across the entire campus community.

There are multiple classes each year and volunteer efforts that comprise the urban farming program. There are no plans to alter the availability of these classes, which accommodate about 320 students annually.

Where is the farm located?
The Urban Farm Outdoor Classroom is located north of Franklin Boulevard within the Millrace Green Designated Open Space. The urban farming program has also been utilizing an area north of the outdoor classroom known as the “back 40”. This area is not within the Urban Farm classroom boundary and has long been identified as an area for development. The urban farming program also utilizes space near Columbia Street and 19th Avenue.

What is happening near the Urban Farm Outdoor Classroom?
Construction on the Knight Campus Phase 2 project is scheduled to begin in early 2023.

Will urban farming activities be affected by the construction project?
The university is working to minimize disruption to activities within the School of Art and Design and the School of Architecture and Environment, including those of the Urban Farm. Project planning is following guidelines developed within the Campus Plan and the Physical Framework Vision Project, which identifies buildable areas, open spaces, and spaces designated for use by the urban farming program. A number of design decisions were made with consideration of the Urban Farm.

Are there known impacts to Urban Farm land?
Much of the Urban Farm Outdoor Classroom will remain intact and every effort is being made to ensure associated activities will be maintained during the construction project.

What will happen to the trees and orchard?
Project planners and leadership are looking at ways to save as many trees as possible. The present schematic design looks to displace approximately 57 trees. Plans to consider transplanting suitable special trees have been posed.  Most of the Lynne Matthews Memorial Orchard is expected to remain intact.

What will happen to the back 40 and the east edge of the Urban Farm?
Preliminary Knight Campus Phase 2 project plans include a staging area that will remove a large portion of the back 40, which has long been designated as a future development area. The 30-foot work zone will impact the east edge of the farm and is necessary to move equipment around the construction site. Work zones for the project will be used to install shoring of the basement construction, while making as little impact as possible on areas beyond the 30-foot zone. The staging area will also be used through the duration of the project for lifts and other equipment necessary to install materials on the exterior facade of the building.

How will the construction of a necessary utility tunnel impact the Urban Farm?
The necessary utility tunnel will be installed between the Millrace Woodshop and Jewelry studios. Project planners and leadership are looking at ways to minimize the impact to the College of Design activities during the construction process.  Preliminary plans indicate that the tunnel will displace seven Asian pear trees, a Katsura, and a heritage English Walnut tree.

Are there plans to increase urban farming activities in the future?
Yes.