The purpose of Blandy Experimental Farm is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. In that natural systems support and increasingly are affected by humans, ecological and environmental literacy are fundamental requirements for citizens, policy-makers, and society as a whole. Blandy Experimental Farm exists to promote this understanding through education and research on plants, plant biology, ecology, evolution, the environmental sciences, and the manner in which all of these are used and affected by humans. The three principal programs designed to achieve this mission include: University research and education Outreach and environmental education The State Arboretum of Virginia