Farms
An education rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and community
Farms
Learning food systems by practice
Understanding and improving food systems is central to our mission as environmental leaders and global citizens. Whether growing organic vegetables, managing pasture-based livestock, or teaching food justice in local schools, COA students learn by doing—cultivating knowledge alongside soil and community.
The college’s two working farms—Beech Hill Farm and Peggy Rockefeller Farm—serve as living laboratories for academic study, community engagement, and hands-on agricultural training.
What you’ll find on our farms
Students across disciplines engage in the full spectrum of food systems work:
- Organic crop production and composting
- Soil science and regenerative land management
- Animal care and rotational grazing
- Farmstand and CSA operations
- Public education and local food-justice initiatives
Many classes incorporate time in the field, and students also pursue internships, research projects, and independent studies across our agricultural sites.
Our working farms
Use the links below to explore each of COA’s unique farming spaces and discover how they connect to learning, sustainability, and the local community.
Quick links:
- Visit Beech Hill Farm
- Explore Peggy Rockefeller Farm
- Learn about food systems at COA
Stories from the Field
Learning to lead from the ground up: COA launches Farm & Garden Fellows Program
The Thoreau Foundation-funded pilot integrates classroom study, experiential work, and mentorship to prepare students to lead the transition toward just and resilient food systems. Read More
College of the Atlantic students get hands-on experience during lambing season
While the sounds of baby lambs are adorable, they also mark one of the busiest times of year for students who work at the College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm, according to News Center Maine. Read More
Building a community seed bank in Kenya
Utilizing a $10,000 Projects for Peace award, Valentina Dereani ’27 is advancing the preservation of biodiversity while empowering small-scale farmers. Read More
Student Resources
Thorndike Library
Research expertise, specialized databases, and guidance for independent and collaborative projects across disciplines.
Registrar
Registration, course offerings, student forms, transcripts, and support as you design your program of study.
Writing Center
Focused help for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and refining papers, projects, proposals, and presentations.
Career Development
Internship planning and placement, resume and interview preparation, and connections to meaningful work.
Academic Support Services
Study skills, learning strategies, and accommodations designed around your strengths and challenges.
more student resources and info
Everything you’re looking for (we hope) in one central place.
Meal menu
From curries to carnitas, savory tofu to Maine seafood, our dining hall celebrates flavor, community, and responsible sourcing.
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