Auburn University and the Auburn community have an extensive variety of resources to offer students. Some resources are more talked about than others, and some might even be considered to be “hidden gems” strung throughout campus.
The Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory, located at 500 Shug Jordan Parkway, is a teaching, research and extension facility that supports a variety of activities within the department of animal sciences.
“We are a fully functional facility regulated under the jurisdiction of the USDA,” said Barney Wilborn, manager of the Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory. “We have a variety of meats and cuts at great price points. I think it means more to the students producing the meats if they know their peers and people in the community can actually benefit from it. The meat we sell to the general public is produced entirely under inspection so you know it is safe to eat.”
Products produced within the Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory are available to the general public in the retail sales room from 2–5 p.m. on Monday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Friday. There is a variety of fresh pork, beef, bacon, and on occasion, barbecue, smoked brisket and ham.
Check out the Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory price list.
The Food Bank Garden is located near Auburn's campus and solely produces homegrown vegetables that will later be donated to the Food Bank of East Alabama.
The garden is maintained solely by volunteers who take time out of their day to plant and pick the produce being donated to the food bank.
The garden was founded almost a decade ago by Beth Guertal, an agronomy professor. According to Zack Ogles, a Ph.D. student studying under Guertal, the garden’s purpose then and now is to feed the less fortunate in the community.
“We strive to produce fresh vegetables for people who might not be able to afford to have vegetables as part of their diets,” Ogles said. “We have come a long way since we first started, and a lot of that we owe to our volunteers. We have had some extremely dedicated volunteers with us. We are always looking for people to help. All that’s required is a willingness to do good work.”
Every Thursday, starting in May–August, the College of Agriculture hosts “The Market.” The Market is located at Ag Heritage Park on campus and features multiple area vendors whom offer fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, cut flowers, jams, jellies, baked goods, honey and cheese. This upcoming season will be The Market’s 11th. This year's market will begin on May 12 and end on August 25.
“The Market is an awesome way for the community to come out and support local growers and buy fresh vegetables," said Laura Weeks, administrator for outreach programs. "We have homemade soap vendors, honey, goat cheese and fresh flowers. The Market also provides the community with the unique experience of getting to know their vendors. We have a really strong marketplace that is very much a community program.”
Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park. The park includes a pavilion, a garden, a pond and a 2 ¼ mile walking trail. The park also includes an off-leash dog walking area.
“Kiesel Park is one of my favorite places to take my dog Aubie,” said Anna McCarthy, senior in marketing. “He loves getting to play with the other dogs, and also enjoys running through the fun tunnel provided in the doggie playground area. Kiesel Park is the best place to take a dog, in my opinion.”
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