France: Beyond Urban Agriculture and Forestry
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: FNR 49800 – 1 credit
- Estimated Cost: $4500 includes airfare, accommodation, some meals, international medical insurance, in country transportation, entrance fees
- Leaders: Nathan Shoaf and Benjamin McCallister
- Callout: September 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm in Pfendler 120
Learn from one of the world's most iconic cities about reimagining agriculture, green infrastructure, and urban forestry to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Through field visits across Paris and Versailles, students will examine innovative approaches to urban food production, rooftop farming, community gardens, green corridors, historic landscapes, and urban woodland management while considering the environmental, social, and economic benefits of integrating nature into cities.
Students will visit pioneering urban agriculture projects, botanical gardens, research collections, local markets, and historic horticultural sites to learn about controlled environment agriculture, circular food systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable landscape design. The program also highlights the role of trees and urban forests in improving climate resilience, ecosystem services, and quality of life through visits to renowned parks, arboretums, and green infrastructure projects that have influenced cities around the world. Complementing these academic experiences are opportunities to explore Parisian food culture, history, architecture, and local neighborhoods, providing a deeper understanding of how agriculture, forestry, and urban planning intersect in one of Europe's most dynamic metropolitan regions. This immersive program offers students a unique perspective on the future of sustainable cities and the innovative practices shaping urban agriculture and forestry worldwide.