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Project Description
As students from Grand Valley State University's PHI 376: Community Working Classics II Ecological Literacy and Sustainability class we have taken on the task of developing a project to further sustainable living. With our school President, Thomas Haas, having signed the American College & University Presidential Climate Commitment, thus committing our school to taking the steps in pursuit of reaching climate neutrality, we have taken the initiative to create Grand Valley State University's first organic community garden (hereby referred to as the garden). The goal of the garden is to increase community involvement within the university while promoting sustainable practices and reconnecting with our food. Some other goals of the garden are to provide a forum for education and discussion around environmental aspects of food systems, and to provide space for learning about the importance of local and organic foods. This project will allow members of the Grand Valley community to grow some of their own food, will provide a space for composting of some food waste from Campus Dining, and will also later tie into the Environmental Studies program at GVSU. The garden will be a forum to open up a lot of possibilities for students, faculty, and staff across many disciplines. Not only will those who choose to have plots be involved, but departments, student organizations, and individuals can participate in the construction and design of the garden. Also, there will be space for meetings or classes to be held outside. We hope to create a space where people can learn experientially through growing their own food, as well as a space that is open and welcoming to all members of the community. This space will foster a greater engagement with sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as contributing to an overall sense of community on campus.
Vital Stats
| Started On: | Class Project: 1/17/2008, Groundbreaking Ceremony: 4/13/08 | Ended On: | Growing Season Ends: mid Oct 2008, however project will continue hopefully forever |
| People Involved: | 7 Project Developers, 60 Plot Owners, unlimited number of volunteers | People Impacted: | 200 including project developers, plot owners, volunteers, facilities, faculty/staff, Allendale residents |
| Money Raised: | Approx. $500 in donated tools, materials and time |
Project Updates:
Updates coming soon!
