12th Annual SEEA Conference & Research Symposium

FoodChain invites conference participants to explore the dynamic intersection of environmental education and hands-on urban agriculture in this highly interactive session. Drawing on FoodChain’s pioneering 7,000-gallon aquaponics system—the first of its kind in Kentucky—attendees will discover how middle and high school students are transforming their learning experiences through the Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends (BUFF) program. Under the guidance of dedicated staff and volunteers, these students work up to ten hours per week on tasks such as seeding, transplanting, water quality management, and fish care, all while connecting critical environmental concepts to real-world applications.
Anchored in the conference strand Bringing Environmental Education to the Classroom, this session will highlight how FoodChain overcomes common obstacles—ranging from funding limitations to space constraints—by cultivating partnerships with local schools and community stakeholders. Presenters will share strategies for replicating key elements of BUFF in diverse settings, including actionable tips for securing support, integrating technology, and leveraging student-driven research projects. Participants will engage in small-group discussions to brainstorm creative approaches for weaving aquaponics and other high-impact agricultural practices into school curricula.
By the end of the session, attendees can expect to leave with concrete resources, including lesson plan templates, volunteer engagement frameworks, and storytelling techniques that capture the transformational power of urban agriculture. This professional development opportunity offers more than information-sharing: it immerses participants in a holistic model of experiential learning that fosters environmental stewardship, promotes healthy food choices, and empowers the next generation of environmental leaders.