Students recognized for conservation efforts

Students in an environmental studies class have been recognized for their conservation contributions at a local farm.

The North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Districts honors a N.C. farm each year for their environmental stewardship and conservation practices. This year’s honoree was The Jane Iseley Farm of Burlington, N.C.

During a celebration featuring Gov. Pat McCrory, N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and state legislators Steve Ross, Rick Gunn and Dennis  Riddell, Elon students in Instructor Gerry Dorsett’s Environmental Studies class in Community Agriculture were recognized and thanked for their help in farm production, including preparations for the event. Students assisted with field preparation, harvest, production and event setup.

Jane Iseley’s farming practices provide a model for sustainable, locally based farming. Crops include strawberries, vegetables, beef and organic tobacco. The farm has been in the Iseley family since the 1700s and is recognized as a Century Farm by the state of North Carolina.