By: Brianna Bonham Photo Editor
The campus garden is overflowing with green after its relocation two years ago due to the construction of the new education building. Now located in between the old education building and Rice auditorium, it houses a plethora of plants that student volunteers tend to.
Asia Cohen, a junior ASL studies and special education student, is one of the main caretakers of the garden. Cohen said that the garden focuses on the community, and sustainability.
“Community is so important,” said Cohen. “We need people to function.”
When asked to describe the garden and it’s goals, Cohen responded by saying, “Sustainable, available, educational, volunteer-based, community. Take what you need, not what you want … We teach about weeds, pests, the struggles of overgrowing. Getting our hands in the dirt takes us back to our roots.”
Cohen said that the new area for the garden is a better location due to the fencing and that the plants are doing well. The garden club encourage students to help tend to the garden, anyone is welcome and there is a garden guide posted on the fence.
The garden is home to many plants, including potatoes, spinach, strawberries, raspberries, artichokes, onions, carrots, and various types of herbs. Seeds used to grow the plants in the garden came from local seed shares such as the Monmouth Public Library. Any seeds that are not used get donated again.
The garden is working toward growing enough food to give to Valsetz dining hall.
The garden club also gives fresh produce to the Western Oregon food pantry, where students in need of food are encouraged to take what they need. They are hoping to produce enough that they can give some to local family businesses, such as Yang’s Teriyaki and Yeasty Beasty.
The garden club works with the Environmental Club to promote sustainability through the garden.
“The campus garden is a place where students are able to explore hands-on sustainable practices. We can read and talk a lot about sustainability, but you can’t beat experiencing it. The garden provides a space for that. Getting your hands dirty, smelling the soil, and seeing new life emerge from your efforts can be a very powerful experience,” said Mark Van Steeter, professor of Geography at Western and advisor to the Environmental Club.
If you’re interested in getting your hands dirty, Cohen has garden hours that get posted on the WOU Campus Garden Facebook page.
Contact the author at bbonham15@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOUjournalphoto
