An environment for learning

Elon’s historic 656-acre campus in central North Carolina is designated as a botanical garden and includes the 56-acre Elon University Forest, a land preserve and natural area for scientific research; and the Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm, a center for environmental research and sustainability that includes a solar farm.

People walking down the sidewalk outside of Carlton building.


Group of students listening to a professor in Elon Forest.Elon University Forest

The mission of the Elon University Forest is to provide a protected natural area to serve primarily as a teaching resource and research site and secondarily as a service learning site and quiet place for reflection and observation.

Learn more about the Elon University Forest


Three students working in a greenhouse at Loy Farm.The Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm

The Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm demonstrates the integration of food and natural systems with the built environment. Loy Farm plays host to a number of Environmental Studies classes. In addition, its activities and functions include food and farming systems, the Design Build Studio for Responsible Architecture, the Piedmont Prairie Ecological Restoration Project, and long-term ecological research.

Learn more about Loy Farm