Maya Angelou Charter School students volunteer at East Capitol Farm

On Friday, December 4, nearly 50 volunteers including students from the Maya Angelou Public Charter School's Young Adult Learning Center (YALC), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Groundwork Anacostia and UDC volunteered, continuing construction on and the beautification of East Capitol Urban Farm. Volunteers learned about urban agriculture and green infrastructure under the leadership of site managers Dr. Kamran Zendehdel and Harris Trobman, from the CAUSES Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), and constructed 20 raised beds and planted the remaining shrubs and trees. Read more about the progress of East Capitol Urban Farm from Dr. Dwane Jones, director, CSD.

A first time user, Kenyatta turned out to be a natural with the drill.

The mission of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School is to create learning communities in lower income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can reach their potential and prepare for college, career, and a lifetime of success. The following testimonials demonstrate the benefit of community service projects like East Capitol Urban Farm:

Joshua, YALC student volunteer: "We've had some disagreements before, but we came together and got over it when planting the tree. Today gave me the opportunity to talk to some of my schoolmates who I normally don't talk to, which is a good thing. I also learned that cooperation is more likely with a single goal. I think a lot of people will enjoy this and what we're doing here--making a difference."

Harris Trobman's water thesis design becomes a reality in Haiti

UDC CAUSES Center for Sustainable Development Green Infrastructure Specialist, Harris Trobman, traveled to Haiti November 19-23, 2015, to provide his design expertise for an advisory consultation with a group of twenty America’s and thirty local Haitians stakeholders. He shares his experience:

For someone who has not visited Haiti it is difficult to even begin to describe. Miles and miles; street to street piles of garbage stern out from the villages of the city. Skews of children and women walk miles carrying, 5-gallon pails of water to their homes for basic needs: drinking, cleaning, and washing clothes. As the poorest nation in the western hemisphere and one of the most disadvantaged in the world, Haiti has to deal with issues of poverty including water and food scarcity on a daily basis. Life in Haiti is not easy.

Despite the strong efforts and billions of dollars invested by many international aid agencies and governments, aid remains far away from having uniform basic needs. Sponsored by the Brethren Global Crisis Funds Mission and Service arm of the Church of the Brethren, the focus of the project was learning about the building bridges of partnerships among the Haitians and with the U.S. leaders.

Brethren Global Crisis Funds recognizes the need to have good technical expertise married with good intentions. Over the past couple years, as a graduate landscape architecture student at University of Maryland, I have collaborated and provided technical guidance of water and agriculture projects for the Brethren Church Global Funds Mission. I was joined on the trip by my former professor and now colleague Dr. Christopher Ellis (University of Maryland's Plant Science and Landscape Architecture) and we presented our ongoing work and research collaboration with the Church of the Brethren. 

 Watch Harris discuss the project. Continue reading for more on the project design.

Free healthy cooking classes for the new year

(click to enlarge)

Around CAUSES

-Ambassador Andrew Young visits UDC
-Limited beekeeping classes available for UDC stakeholders
- Bell Architects win award for UDC green roof
- 4-H Visits White House Office of Science and Technology 

Ambassador Andrew Young visits UDC
Ambassador Andrew Young visited UDC, where he received a tour of the green roof and demonstration kitchens, both components of the Ward 3 Urban Food Hub. Ambassador Young was the first African-American ambassador to the United Nations, mayor of Atlanta and served in Congress. He was also active in the Civil Rights Movement, working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is pictured to the right with CAUSES Dean Sabine O'Hara and Dean Sepehri. 

Limited beekeeping classes available for UDC stakeholders
The Beekeeping Certification Training program will be offered Jan. 26 - March 15 at the University of the District of Columbia. The DC Beekeepers Alliance is offering a limited number of seats to UDC faculty, staff and students. The introductory course provides the resources and knowledge needed to successfully and responsibly keep bees in the District. Students attending all eight classes will receive a certificate of completion. Contact kamran.zendehdel@udc.edu for more information.

Institute of Gerontology Update

By Claudia John, project director, Institute of Gerontology

In November, the Institute of Gerontology launched a winter coat drive. I am pleased to share that we collected 45 new coats. The Institute of Gerontology donated 40 of the coats to Life Pieces to Master Pieces, a non-profit organization that serves African American boys in Ward 7. I had the opportunity  to attend their Holiday Celebration and it was a wonderful event. There were over 130 young men in attendance, several of whom asked for a hug. One young man in particular gave me a big hug and he said “thank you for the coats." The young man was seven years old. I was so touched by the genuine love of the young men, they are an awesome group of young men. In addition, the president of the organization, presented me with a piece of art created by the young men. The piece is on display in the reception area in IOG. I am very grateful for the opportunity to partner with such an organization. 

The Institute of Gerontology recently held its end of the year In-Service Training for nearly 70 senior volunteers. UDC student organizations SOAR and the 9:30 Club spoke to the seniors about health matters. 

CAUSES welcomes three new members

Mr. Gregory Cooper joined CAUSES as a program coordinator with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), in the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, where he teaches and coordinates nutrition workshops in financially challenged areas throughout Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CAUSES, he worked with WIC, Early Head Start Program, INOVA, the Tigerlily Foundation, clinical nutrition and a number of organizations in Liberia, West Africa. He enjoys working with nutrition programs and is focused on alleviating poverty. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Community Health and Nutrition from George Mason University. He began working in CAUSES in July.


Dr. Tia Jeffery has also joined CNDH as a project specialist and community educator, with the Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, where she will plan, implement and evaluate community nutrition education programs that address urban health disparities, positive youth development via nutrition education and fitness, and senior wellness in the District. Prior to joining CAUSES, she provided nutrition management for kidney dialysis at Fresenius Medical Care in California, medical nutrition therapy at Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland, and administered weight management and diabetes programs for Healing Our Village, Inc. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Certificate from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition (with a cognate concentration in Exercise Science) from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in Public Health (with a specialization in Community Health Promotion and Education) from Walden University. Dr. Jeffery is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and Certified Health Education Specialist and an Adjunct Professor at Towson University. She began working in CAUSES in October.


Dr. Matthew Richardson joins CAUSES as Assistant Director for Urban Agriculture Research, in the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education. A native of Pennsylvania, he earned degrees in Biology and Entomology at the University of Delaware before completing his Master’s in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Prior to joining CAUSES, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow in Crop Sciences at UIUC, a Research Entomologist with the USDA-ARS, and a Research Scientist with the Center for Conservation and Sustainability at the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Richardson’s main research interests lie in understanding plant-insect relationships in human-managed, disturbed, and restored habitats. His writings on science education and outreach appear in six peer-reviewed publications and he is frequently invited to speak in schools, universities, and conferences. His commitment to outreach was recognized with a President’s Volunteer Service Award and a USDA Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award. He will join CAUSES in January 2016.

Happy Holidays from CAUSES!

Health Matters: Healthy Aging

On this edition of  "Health Matters," Claudia John, project director, UDC CAUSES Institute of Gerontology, joins Associate Provost Dr. Connie Webster to discuss healthy aging. Currently people over 65 years of age number 483 million in the world. By the year 2025 approximately 18% of the world population will be seniors. In 2005 there were an estimated 67,473 people aged 100 or older living in the United States. People are living longer and it’s important that good health is a part of their lives.

CAUSES wins Sustainability Award!

Reprinted with permission from DOEE
DOEE Honors Five Environmental Stewards at 2015 Sustainability Awards

Awardees’ Commitment Moves District Closer to Achieving Sustainable DC Goals

(WASHINGTON, DC) December 15, 2015 – In a ceremony last night at the residence of Danish Ambassador Lars Gert Lose, Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director, Tommy Wells presented the 2015 District Sustainability Awards to recognize outstanding achievements and leadership in sustainability. The honorees support the goals of the District’s sustainability plan, Sustainable DC, in areas such as energy and water conservation, pollution prevention or reduction, stormwater management practices, green building construction and operation, innovative technology, and sustainable waste management.

“With the historic climate agreement signed in Paris over the weekend, it’s clear that bold action is needed to lower our greenhouse gas emissions nationally. It’s also clear that leadership from local governments and the private sector will be critical to our success,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “This year’s District of Columbia Sustainability Award winners are perfect examples of how private sector partners are working with local government to test innovative new concepts and integrate sustainability into everyday operations. They are true leaders in making the District a healthier, greener, more livable city.”

The 2015 honorees are:

College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Science (CAUSES), UDC
District Sustainability Award
The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Science (CAUSES)—part of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)—conducts research and undertakes projects such as the 20,000 ft2 green roof on UDC’s campus that promotes urban food production, energy efficiency, and stormwater runoff reduction. With funding from Sustainable DC, CAUSES is developing business incubator kitchens to serve as food and nutrition teaching facilities and entrepreneurship training centers. Through a partnership with the District of Columbia Housing Authority, CAUSES is building and operating the East Capitol Urban Farm and aquaponics facility in Ward 7, which will be the District’s largest urban farm.

East Capitol Urban Farm progress update

By Dwane Jones,  Director, Center for Sustainable Development

Dr. Jones on DCBIA's Community Build Day

Dear Friends,

I hope you are enjoying the transformed space at 5900 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC! We have made great progress in both physically enhancing the site and engaging the community and partners. Here is a breakdown of progress since our September 26, 2015, Build Day with the DC Building Industry Association (DCBIA):

• 27 garden plot applications have been reviewed and accepted. 
• 39 garden plot inquiries have been received (additional garden plots are allocated to the schools separately). 
• 22 new volunteers have committed to participate in an ongoing basis in the project. 
• Students from River Terrace (in partnership with Groundwork Anacostia) have engaged on site three times per week. 
• Employed two UDC students to help operate the farm. 
• Begun preparing the site for the Art Sculpture. 

A community/site improvement day was conducted on December 4, 2015. Whenever we have had visitors to stop by the site, they have all had one resounding theme. They have each shared how impactful they believe the project is and will be on the community. Our next steps will be to continue the successes cited above, in addition to the following: 

• Install the aquaponics system (funded by Sustainable DC + District Department of the Environment, DOEE). 
• Assign, map, and label community gardening spaces. 
• Erect additional signage on site. 
• Schedule an onsite Community Engagement Day in May. 
• Develop a quarterly schedule of training events on and near the site. 
• Begin planting and training opportunities in the late winter. 
• Implement the proposed site management strategy. 
• Work with community partners to “tell the story” of the community and the project. 

We are also incredibly excited to announce that UDC’s Food Truck (for education and training) will be in our possession by year end. The food truck will play an integral role in supporting East Capitol Urban Farm!

I am very encouraged by the overwhelming support from partners and the community. UDC and its partners look forward to continuing to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of people and communities in the District of Columbia, the nation, and the world. “Healthy Cities-Healthy People.”

On Behalf of UDC CAUSES, the Center for Sustainable Development+ Partners,

Dwane Jones, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Sustainable Development (UDC)

Jaime Brown (4-H) and Teresa Turner (CNDH)

Harris Trobman (Sustainable Development) and Tom Kakovitch (former CAUSES professor) 

Kamran Zendehdel (Sustainable Development)

Cook, Shop & Live Healthy

The Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health is offering the free course 'Cook, Shop & Live Healthy' on Fridays and Saturdays in December and January. Contact Greg Cooper to register for the Friday class, and Paige Zaitlin for the Saturday class. The classes will be offered on UDC's Van Ness campus.  

DOEE launches Green Fellows Program

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) has launched and is accepting applications for Green Fellows. The highly competitive program will offer four paid graduate student fellowships for four graduate students attending DC-based higher education institutions. Each fall, the Green Fellows program solicits applications for paid positions within the DDOE areas of: Natural Resources, Sustainability, Energy and Environmental Sciences. 

More information is available here.

Seeking volunteers for East Capitol Farm on Dec. 4!

Sign up here! To get you in the mood ahead of volunteer day, we encourage you to watch this amazing DCBIA Community Improvement Day video by Chris Spielmann.  

Nursing students provide health screenings for Institute of Gerontology

Here in CAUSES, we promote interdisciplinary and collaborative learning. We take every opportunity to integrate academics with our landgrant programming. Just recently on Nov. 18, students in our RN to BS in Nursing program partnered with the Institute of Gerontology for their monthly In-service, offering health screenings to 64 senior volunteers. The BSN students provided glucose, blood pressure and body mass index  screenings and counseling to the seniors. 

When asked about the benefits of the collaboration, BSN professor Anne-Marie Jean-Baptiste explains: 
"It's threefold. (1) It increases visibility of the nursing program in the community; (2) It gives the students the opportunity to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical or experiential learning; and (3) the members of the community benefit by receiving the screenings."

The program was arranged by Ms. Claudia John, project specialist, Institute of Gerontology, to provide beneficial services and information to the senior volunteers with the Institute.

"One of the seniors had an elevated blood sugar level. Had it not been for the health screenings, the gentleman would not have known how high his blood sugar was," said Ms. John. "The seniors expressed to me that it was a blessing to have the UDC Nursing Department provide them with health screenings." 

 The RN to BS in Nursing program earlier this year received accreditation for another eight years. Contact the Institute of Gerontology at gerontology@udc.edu or (202) 274-6697. 

Additional photos are available on our Facebook page.

1400 lbs. harvested on Gleaning Day!

On Saturday, November 21, UDC staff, students and members of the community gathered at the UDC research farm to harvest 1,400 lbs. of kale, Swiss chard, collards and sweet potatoes. 

"Because we do not sell our produce, it would be a shame for the food we grow to go to waste. What better way to bring the community together for a good cause -- especially when Thanksgiving is right around the corner," explained Che Axum, director, CAUSES Center for Urban Agriculture. "At a time when more people than ever are struggling to feed their families, this is not only a privilege, but also our duty." 

The harvest was donated to DC Central Kitchen. For their time, volunteers received a free bag of produce to enjoy over the holiday. Thanks to everyone for coming out! Additional photos are available on our Facebook page.

Abstract submission deadline extended for ISEE 2016!

The submission deadline to submit an abstract for ISEE 2016 has been extended until Dec. 15 - please share! 

Theme: Transforming the Economy: Sustaining Food, Water, Energy and Justice

As the Science of Science of Sustainability, Ecological Economics must advance the transformation of the economy to support rather than debilitate the processes that sustain our living planet. Most fundamental to such an economy is its support of basic live support systems like food, water and energy, and its support of social justice and a quality of life for all. 

Submit your abstract here!

Farmers market closes for the season

After a successful six month season, the UDC farmers market has closed for the year.

"This has been one of the best farmers market seasons to date, thanks in part to student market managers, Maria Watkins and Jude Hare," said Dr. Dwane Jones, director, Center for Sustainable Development. "I would also like to thank Rudy Arredondo and the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Association for their continued partnership and the David A. Clarke School of Law."

The Center for Sustainable has been working on an economic analysis and would appreciate your feedback. Please take a few minute to take their survey. 

Providing great closure to the season was the recent mention of the UDC farmers market by Chef Dalliah of neighborhood bakery Bread Furst in Washington's Surprise Attraction: Urban Farmers' Markets:  

"On Saturdays from May until the end of November, Mr. Dalliah heads to the nearby farmers market at the University of the District of Columbia for produce to turn into dishes such as pickled carrots and onions, grilled cauliflower with tahini and caramelized onions, and kohlrabi slaw with beets."

Thanks, Bread Furst! And now, here is a pictorial look back at the season:

Maria and Jude!

Recipes: Asparagus and Brussels sprout saute, savory brown rice

Chef Herb  Holden from the CAUSES Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health shared a couple of healthy side dish recipes just in time for the holidays!

 Looking for a soup recipe? How about tomato basil or sweet potato and kale?

Food safety tips for preparing turkey

As we embark upon the holiday season, it is essential that all necessary hygienic precautions are taken in the kitchen. Chef Herb Holden with the UDC Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health shares the following tips: 

• As always wash your hands before and after handling the raw meat.
• Make sure that all utensils, equipment and surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
• While cooking, it is vital that the correct temperatures are reached so that bacteria are destroyed and any potential food safety problems are avoided.
• If you are cooking a fresh turkey, store it in the refrigerator until you are absolutely ready to prepare it. Raw poultry should not be kept out of the fridge for very long.
• For frozen turkeys, ensure that the bird is completely defrosted before you begin your preparations.
• Raw or frozen turkeys should be separated in the refrigerator away from other food beforehand.

Roasting times for turkey

Roasting time (unstuffed)       Roasting time (stuffed)

       6-8 lbs—2 1/2—2 3/4 hrs       6-8 lbs—2 3/4—3 1/4 hrs

  8-12 lbs—2 3/4—3 hrs            8-12 lbs—3—3 1/2 hrs

    12-14 lbs—3— 3/4 hrs             12-14 lbs—3 1/2—4 hrs

     14-18 lbs—3 3/4—4 1/4 hrs     14-18 lbs—4—4 1/4 hrs

            18-20 lbs—4 1/4—4 1/2 hrs     18-20 lbs—4 1/4—4 3/4 hrs

             20-24 lbs—4 1/2—5 hrs           20-24 lbs—4 3/4—5 1/4 hrs

How to harvest kale

Ever wonder how to harvest kale? Prof. Clarence Pearson, director, Architectural Research Institute, sketched this just for you: 

East Capitol Farm featured on WAMU!

WAMU asks: Are Mobile Urban Farms A Good Use Of Space In D.C.? 

The article, which was authored by Vera Carothers, begins:

An abandoned island of grass and dirt sloping between Capitol Heights Metro station and busy East Capitol Street is getting new life this fall.

Far from a flashy new development, the site will soon be home to D.C.’s largest urban farm, covering 3 acres near the Maryland border. The project is headed by the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and backed by a diverse coalition of a dozen or so groups ranging from unlikely ally Walmart to local non-profits to the federal family through the Urban Waters Federal Partnership.

Why build such a large farm in the middle of a rapidly developing neighborhood? UDC and its partners aim to help solve the food desert problem in this Ward 7 area east of the Anacostia River.

Continue reading here or listen to the audio!

Institute of Gerontology Coat Drive!

DCist article on urban farms

We were mentioned in The Federal Forager: D.C.'s Urban Farms Make the Most of Limited Real Estate by DCist, which features many organizations involved in DC's urban agriculture movement: 

"And the nascent East Capitol Urban Farm, on which volunteers broke ground for September 26, has one really cool feature aimed at taking advantage of vacant lots that often are only temporarily available: It moves."

Read the full article.

Environmental Quality Testing Lab Receives National Accreditation

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is pleased to announce the full accreditation of the Environmental Quality Testing Laboratory (EQTL) by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Accreditation Council. NELAP accreditation is the highest national laboratory accreditation achievable.

The New Hampshire Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NH ELAP) awarded primary NELAP Accreditation to the EQTL of Washington, D.C., for minerals and trace metals in potable and non-potable waters in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Standards and the NH Env-C 300 laboratory accreditation administrative rules. NH ELAP is one of few authorized laboratory programs that awards primary and secondary accreditation to out-of-state environmental laboratories.

The Laboratory is required to use EPA–approved methods required by regulation. Because the District of Columbia is not a state, there is no state level EPA accrediting body; therefore, the EQTL had to acquire NELAP accreditation, which has more strenuous requirements, including annual recertification. This is a huge endeavor for UDC.

Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health offering free cooking classes

The Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health has announced two cooking classes for November and December: 

Around CAUSES

Here's what's happening around CAUSES!

1. UDC Urban Architecture and Community Planning Students place in the Interschool Student Design Competition  
The annual Interschool Student Design Competition (ISDC) convened teams of students from the area’s collegiate architecture programs—Catholic, Howard, University of the District of Columbia, Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, Morgan State, and University of Maryland. The teams participated in a day-long design challenge held in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum, and were tasked with producing a creative solution that addresses real world architecture, planning, and landscape architecture issues. UDC Architecture student Mitch Peterson was on the first place team, while David Andjaba was on the third place team. Both received books and monetary prizes. An ISDC display is available for viewing in Building 32, Suite 200. Photos of the event are available here.

2. 2016 water symposium calls for abstracts
The National Capital Region is hosting the 2016 Water Symposium: Rethinking the Value of Water: Innovations in Research, Technology, Policy and Management, hosted April 8, 2016 at the University of the District of Columbia. The Symposium is seeking abstracts on scientific research and practical solutions to water issues relevant to the National Capital Region. Abstracts are due December 4.


3. American Forests ceremonial tree planting at East Capitol Farm
On Monday, October 26, 2015, American Forests hosted a ceremonial tree planting at the East Capitol Urban Farm in honor of its 140th anniversary and to recognize the signing of a new MOU with the U.S. Forest Service. Remarks were delivered by Dr. Dwane Jones, director, Center for Sustainable Development, CAUSES. See photos of the ceremony, as well as photos of the Oct. 17 volunteer event!

CAUSES Hosts Second Annual Urban Agriculture Symposium

The Second Annual Urban Agriculture Symposium hosted by the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences of the University of the District of Columbia brought together practitioners, researchers and food lovers to continue the dialogue others are having locally, nationally and globally to address the future of food security. The opening panel, Symposium and Green Living Expo served as a forum for sharing information, exchanging ideas, and building networks to support a healthy and economically viable urban food system. The events were held October 22-24.

Help us glean Nov. 21 at the UDC Research Farm

Institute of Gerontology celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The UDC Institute of Gerontology (IOG) celebrated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special lecture from Georgetown University's Capital City Breast Care. CCBC provides culturally sensitive breast cancer screening services and health and wellness education to all women in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, regardless of their ability to pay. IOG's In-service was highly interactive, with senior volunteers answering true or false questions, such as:

UDC green roof closes for the season - 4300 lbs. harvested!

Photo by Sandra Farber Bandier 

November is here and the growing season on the UDC green roof has come to an end, so the roof is closing for the year after a successful inaugural season. According to DC Master Gardener Program Coordinator and Green Roof Manager, Sandra Farber Bandier, most of the plants have been removed, except for Swiss  chard and butternut squash. The pollinator garden will remain in bloom until the first or second frost. 

The production and popularity of the roof exceeded our expectations.  To date, we have harvested close to 4,300 pounds of nutrient dense produce, the majority of which was donated to food pantries, the CAUSES Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, the UDC  weekly CSA program, and other events.

In addition to Sandy Farber Bandier and Lorraine Weller who spent countless hours and braved various types of weather, we would like to especially thank the volunteers and student interns whose time and dedication helped to make this first season a success, including the Firebird Student Athlete Advisory Committee. See them in action:

The rooftop garden will open in Spring 2016, when tours will be available Tuesdays through Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The memories of a successful debut will carry us into 2016. And of course, we'll always have our Washington Post feature!

Next up: We grew soybeans!