Serving the workforce needs of Willamette Valley farms and nurseries

Situated on an 5.5-acre site at the Southeast side of Chemeketa’s Main Salem campus, the new Agricultural Complex is to serve as an important hub for the surrounding agricultural community and industry with classroom space, garden/farm demonstration fields, ornamental yard, and beneficial insectary. The Complex will include new indoor and outdoor facilities for Chemeketa Community College’s Agriculture, Horticulture, and AgriBusiness Management Programs along with space for its partners, Marion Polk Food Share (MPFS), industry consortia, and local school districts. Central to the development is a new 14,000 square foot classroom and partner building that will feature three community classrooms, a science lab classroom, a lab preparation room, two seminar/ conference rooms, a student resource room, faculty offices and work area. The two community classrooms are designed with an operable partition wall so the spaces can be made into 2 - 30 person classrooms, also connecting to a large open foyer area for students and events. These shared areas will enhance the overall spatial efficiency and create a culture of collaboration key for a vital community hub.

Questions? Give us a call at 503.316.3279 
or send an e-mail.

 

 

$12,850 of $160,000 raised

During the planning phases, we had to adjust and cut back on a few projects within the complex as construction prices were very high. We are now working to bring those back into the project. As we near the completion of construction, the college still needs some additional support in order to install and feature state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories. This final phase of development will ensure that world-class learning opportunities persist for students and the community for years to come. Learn more about these additions below.

Greenhouse

 

Chemeketa’s new Agriculture Hub will feature an industry-standard greenhouse and related facilities. The structure will provide professional level plant production throughout the year as well as research opportunities for students and local industry.

Conservatory

 

Plants appeal to the senses- visitors of all ages are captivated by the sights, smells, sounds and textures that surround them and there is no better place than a conservatory. Chemeketa will dedicate a space for the community to enjoy the wonder of plants.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Learning Gardens

 

Students who understand Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) hold the key to knowing the natural world. Chemeketa’s Agricultural Learning Labs will help foster this growth and understanding.

Ballet Folklorico México en la Piel

Equipment Needs

Various items Needed

Agricultural technology becomes more sophisticated each day and Chemeketa aspires to provide students with exposure to innovations in this exciting field. With state-of-the-art equipment students will be prepared for the exciting future of Agriculture. To make an in-kind contribution of equipment to our program, please give us a call to find out current needs.

The face of agriculture and horticulture is changing. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in an industry once considered static by some measures.

Industry is demanding a more skillful workforce and expanded educational offerings for these emerging markets, the agriculture community is demanding a one-stop shop for support and resources, and the College community is seeking expanded educational offerings in related areas of study and activity. From Nursery Management and Research, to Organic Gardening, to Small Farm Certification and AgriBusiness Management, Chemeketa Community College intends to be a leader in serving the agricultural and horticultural needs of the Willamette Valley.

The site features energy net-zero use through the implementation of solar power, natural light, radiant heating/cooling and architectural design. Materials for the build are sourced from local suppliers all within a 60-mile radius of the campus. A major next phase need includes a 60’x60’ Greenhouse comprised of four (4) quadrants of 30 feet wide by 30 feet long dimensions each in order to isolate unique grow operations for student learning.

 

 

 

Help us meet our $160,000 goal

$12,850 raised

Donate Now

Thank you to all of our donors

$5,000+

J. Frank Schmidt Family Charitable Foundation

- -

$1,000 - $4,999

Jacques Forest

- -

$500-$999

Clearwater Irrigation Supply

Marie Hulett & Jeffrey Isbell

Val Tancredi

- -

Up to $499

Julie & Jim Huckestein

Leslie Maksun

Jamie & David Wenigmann

Chemeketa Community College Foundation

4000 Lancaster DR NE

PO Box 14007

Salem, Oregon 97309

503.399.5148  |  503.365.4747