300 Run to Preserve Pierce College Farmland

Mild temperatures provided ideal running conditions Sunday as racing enthusiasts laced up their sneakers and pounded the pavement in the third annual Run for the Farm at Pierce College.

The run, held to preserve the school’s agricultural land, offered 2K, 5K and 10K courses. About 300 runners took their marks at the college football stadium and made their way around the campus, up the verdant green hills and past the farm’s cow and horse pens.

“It was fun, but the course was hard because of all the hills,” said Cynthia Domine, 46, of Reseda, who ran the 2K race with her husband, Jeff, and their children. “We also came to help save the farm.”

The Pierce College Farm, a 240-acre agricultural laboratory for the school, is an important habitat for migrating birds and a needed resource for students studying biology and veterinary medicine, said Vicki Michaelson, secretary for the college’s agriculture department.

The Los Angeles Community College District board of trustees is considering proposals to turn the farm into a golf course. The college’s governing council approved the plan to help alleviate the campus’ financial woes.

Proceeds from the run will go to the college’s agriculture department and to improve the school’s cross-country course.

“In normal urban life, you don’t get to see land or animals like this,” Michaelson said as she pointed to a pen of sheep. “That’s the advantage of open space and farmland.”

After the race, the agriculture department opened up the farm to the public for a Spring Farm Festival, complete with sheep shearing, wool spinning and insect exhibits. Children got to climb aboard tractors and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

For many, the favorite attraction was the animals.

“We always see pictures of animals in books and in movies,” said Lisa Lintner, 31, of Van Nuys, carrying her 3-year-old daughter, Emily.

“But to see them up close is extra special for her.”