Three people pick kale from a garden row.

A Farm as Framework

The Morrow Farm at Bucknell University 

Grown across disciplines. Grounded in generosity.
 

Hands holding 3 red cherry tomatoes

The Morrow Farm at Bucknell University is a 5-acre hub for regenerative agriculture and hands-on learning — and model for what strategic investment in experiential education looks like when it's done with intention.

More than an amenity, the farm is where students and faculty break down disciplinary boundaries.

  • Chemistry students analyze the nutrient composition of crops they helped grow.
  • Engineering students employ biomimicry in design, using nature as their guide.
  • Humanities students study and institute ethical farming methods, examine indigenous practices and craft narratives influenced by nature.

The farm — which has been donor supported since its opening in 2018 — is entering a new chapter thanks to a transformative new gift from Bill '70 and Madeline Morrow. Their gift supports new infrastructure, including a permanent teaching kitchen and classroom that will expand capacity, enable year-round engagement and bring the farm's food production to Bucknell's own dining program.

A circular portrait of President John Bravman
 Bill and Madeline's extraordinary gift to sustain and grow one of Bucknell's most dynamic experiential learning environments will ensure that generations of students can learn directly from the land, each other and mentors in a space that exemplifies Bucknell's commitment to sustainability, community and interdisciplinary excellence.
Bucknell University President John Bravman

Shaping the interdisciplinary landscape

Morrow Farm & Engineering

Senior design engineers got their hands dirty building a human-powered harvester to reduce the physical toll of farm labor. In doing so, they helped the farm grow more of the green beans local food pantries need most.

Morrow Farm & English

During a visit to Professor Ted Hamilton's English class, a local Haudenosaunee chef shared his struggle to source the beans his ancestors grew. Students took action. The farm now cultivates them — and they're served in the chef's indigenous menu.

Morrow Farm & Biology

Before measuring soil respiration in the lab, intro biology students visit the farm to learn what soil truly is — its microbiome, carbon sequestration, nitrogen fixation and health variability. Then they apply that knowledge to compare soil health across campus.

Circular portrait of student Thandeka Bango
 I grew up in Zimbabwe, where gardening with my grandmother and watching my mother's dedication to community empowerment defined my connection to sustainable land management. I've researched climate risks, biogeochemical impacts and community perceptions while pursuing solutions that are as socially grounded as they are scientifically rigorous.
Thandeka Bango '26, environmental geosciences and geography double-major, Bucknell student farmer and 2025 Udall Scholar

Rooted in practice. Led by students.

Leadership

Student farmers and apprentices manage teams, lead public tours, facilitate volunteer groups and contribute to daily operations. In doing so, they build confidence, communication skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity — capacities that translate across any field.

The influence this has on outcomes is notable. Alumni lead careers in sustainable agriculture and environmental education, pursue medicine with a deeper understanding of food and health, and identify pathways into mission-driven organizations and industries.

Just as important are the less quantifiable shifts: students leave Bucknell more self-assured, more collaborative and more prepared. And they leave knowing why leadership matters.

Circular portrait of student Quincy Saadeh
 The Morrow Farm has strengthened my leadership skills in ways no other campus organization has. I've learned to think on my feet, apply my breadth of knowledge in agriculture, and direct other student farmers and volunteers. I have grown self-assured, pro-active and strategic — all qualities that will serve me well in my future endeavors.
Quincy Saadeh '27, early childhood education and literary studies, Bucknell student farmer 

Harvested here. Shared with the community.

Community

Beyond campus, the impact continues. Through the Lewisburg Community Garden, food grown on Bucknell land supports local households and food pantries, while community members join in harvests, seasonal festivals and ongoing collaboration.

From everyday moments to large-scale gatherings, the farm strengthens Bucknell’s role as an engaged neighbor — rooted in care, connection and contribution.

A circular portrait of student Allan Alas
 Being involved in the cultivation, preparation and distribution of food helped me internalize the idea that health extends beyond a clinical setting and highlighted the importance of access to nutritious foods and supportive communities. As I prepare for medical school, my work with the farm has reinforced my commitment to addressing health disparities through a holistic approach in which patients feel understood and empowered.
Allan Alas ’26, biology

A Framework Others Can Build From

Model for Others

The Morrow Farm's impact grows from the thoughtful choices that shape its purpose:
 

  • – Treating experiential learning as essential, not supplemental
  • – Aligning donor investment with academic priorities
  • – Creating real leadership roles for students
  • – Designing initiatives for both campus and community impact


These are choices any institution can make.

For colleges and universities seeking to deepen engagement, strengthen outcomes and demonstrate relevance, the Morrow Farm offers more than a story. It offers a model.