Welcome to MAPP

Welcome to the home of the Milpa Agricultural Placemaking Project (MAPP) at the University of North Texas! Our innovative initiative is transforming the way food is grown, studied, and shared on the UNT campus. Supported by a $400,000 grant from the USDA's National Institute for Food and Agriculture, we're bringing the ancient concept of milpa—a sustainable agricultural practice originating in Mesoamerica—to create edible landscapes across UNT. Here at MAPP, we're cultivating more than just crops; we're growing communities, connecting UNT students with traditional agricultural practices, and creating new educational pathways in food studies. From our seedling giveaways and oral history collection to our partnerships with Texas A&M and local community gardens, we invite you to explore how we're reimagining urban agriculture in small, underutilized spaces across campus. Join us as we work toward a greener, more sustainable Mean Green campus where learning happens through hands-on engagement with the land. Whether you're a student interested in our scholarships and curriculum, a community member looking to participate in our public events, or simply curious about sustainable food practices, there's a place for you in our growing MAPP community.

Did you know?

Did you know that "milpa" is an ancient agricultural practice dating back thousands of years? At our recent spring seedling giveaway, UNT students and community members took home free tomato and pepper seedlings grown right here on campus! This community-building event is just one way we're bringing traditional food-growing methods to life at UNT. The milpa concept teaches us that agriculture can thrive in small spaces, responding directly to community needs rather than requiring vast rural fields. Our project transforms underutilized campus spaces into productive micro-gardens while connecting students with cultural and agricultural heritage. Stop by our next seedling distribution event and take home a piece of the MAPP project for your own garden!