~ The purpose of this listserve is to serve as a forum for discussion about anything to do with sustainable agriculture and Organic Gardening. The listserve formerly served as the primary means of communication for two distinct yet closely related University of Maryland student organizations, the Garden Club and the Sustainable Agriculture club. The garden club maintains a small plot of on-campus land adjacent to St. Mary's Hall (facing the Health Center), while the Ag Club has a much larger plot north of main campus on Adelphi Road. The Garden Club plans to turn the St. Mary's site into a model on-campus herb and small flower garden, while the Ag club hopes to grow larger-scale vegetables on the "farm."

To reach Garden Club's new forum, go to http://www.languages.umd.edu/lh/clubs/club_gardening.html.

~ What will be posted on this listserve? Events having to do with sustainable agriculture- conferences, lectures, etc, as well as opportunities to get involved with the gardening fun. Also, job postings and volunteer/internship type opportunities and links to articles, websites, learning opportunities.
~ Will the listserve lead to crowded-inbox syndrome? Not if you select "daily digest" -- you'll only get one email a day at the most (we'll also be using our website's discussion board to coordinate gardening plans.
~ Why sustainable agriculture? There are many reasons... but in brief sus ag. is a friendlier form of agriculture that takes environmental protection, human need, and long-term resource conservation into account. It's good for the land and for people. Thanks for your interest and come garden with us!