Blossoming from one student鈥檚 vision to cultivate community, a 海角在线 community garden opened Monday evening to the cheers of students, faculty and staff.
鈥淟ots of people, resources and prayer went into this,鈥� said garden founder Sophia Secrest, a junior double major in intercultural studies and music. Six months ago, she had an idea to give 海角在线鈥檚 campus a 鈥渢angible way to see health and beauty.鈥� The many references to gardening in Scripture inspired Secrest to create something where diverse groups can gather on common ground.
Six neat raised beds now grace the sunny lot beside the Campus Safety building on Olive Avenue. Members of the 海角在线 community may request a plot to plant fruits and vegetables.
After the ribbon cutting Monday, spectators enjoyed folk music, brownies, lemonade and fellowship. Secrest called it 鈥済rassroots,鈥� as community members came together seeking to plant and grow their own food.
The idea became reality with the support and funding of Student Development and the Student Government Association. Secrest is the Student Government sustainability chair, overseeing environmental awareness and care on campus.
鈥淢any other people helped,鈥� said Secrest, including Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies Dr. Bryan Froehle. 鈥淗e came to help us shovel on Sunday while still in his dress clothes. He saw potential in us and potential in the community.鈥�
The first plants in the garden came from Campus Safety Officer Kevin Konynenbelt, who gave the team Spanish oregano to grow and harvest.
鈥淲e want to keep it as organic and all-natural as possible. That鈥檚 the goal,鈥� said Secrest. 鈥淲e hope to teach the community gardening, hold open-mic nights, do service projects as a team and begin recycling and composting.鈥� She and her team have other dreams still in the works. 鈥淲e are bringing people into our little community for a glimpse of 海角在线 culture,鈥� she said.
