Did you know that USF has its very own farm? Star Route Farms (SRF) is located just north of San Francisco and sits on the ancestral lands of the Guaulen Coast Miwok people in the area known today as Bolinas. SRF was founded in 1974 by Warren Weber. When he was ready to sell the farm, he went on a long search for the right caretaker and chose to sell to USF in 2017. Bringing USF in was an important choice for him as the university would maintain the accounts the farm already had and its employees while utilizing it for educational purposes.
SRF is Marin County’s oldest self-sustaining organic farm growing a variety of produce that has created an educational place for students and faculty to reconnect with the land’s history and learn about agricultural practices. Not only does SRF provide acres of food, but also sits along a salmon creek where students have been able to explore, collect data, and analyze the watershed. Professor April Randle (who teaches both undergraduate and MSEM students) is Director of Star Route Farms and is instrumental in creating accessibility for students to visit and participate at SRF. A range of courses have been taught on the farm including Environmental Science, Insect Biology, Stream & Riparian Ecology, and many others. Bringing students to engage with the land is empowering and creates new skills and learning opportunities.
If you’re interested in getting a taste of Star Route Farms’ fresh produce, here are some popular restaurants around San Francisco sourcing from our farm!
