The Center for Community and Working Landscapes (CCWL) is a joint research and engagement project led by Dr. Shoshanah Inwood and Dr. Douglas Jackson-Smith – both rural sociologists and faculty in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at the Ohio State University. Our offices and lab are located on the OSU-CFAES Wooster campus – an interdisciplinary research station located 90 minutes north of Columbus in the heart of a vibrant rural and agricultural landscape.

Our team uses quantitative and qualitative social science methods to advance our understanding of the dynamics of complex socio-environmental systems and to improve the sustainability and resilience of farms, farm households, communities, and working landscapes.

We embrace a collaborative approach to inquiry and engagement that respects the value of both scientific and experiential knowledge. Much of work is interdisciplinary and we regularly collaborate with colleagues in the social, environmental, agricultural and biophysical sciences.

We are deeply committed to the idea and mission of a land grant university – to conduct research and outreach that benefits the public interest and improves opportunities and outcomes for all members of society.