Garden: Introducing the Gauchos Go Green Garden!
By Ruby Clancy, Tessa Holm, and Samridi Iyer
One of our garden interns, Maddy, clearing up weeds in our garlic bed!
Welcome to the Gauchos Go Green Garden!
Nestled between Storke Field and Harder Stadium, our small but mighty garden plot is coming back to life. In Gauchos Go Green’s effort to promote sustainability, the garden is providing a way to educate our community about the benefits of agriculture while simultaneously producing organic and sustainable food in the process. It’s a given that spending time outside is good for us, but gardening in particular can greatly benefit both our mind and body. Spending time with others under the sun, with a shared goal of cultivation and collaboration, can markedly boost your mood. There’s some scientific basis here, too, with studies showing that being in nature decreases cortisol levels (your stress hormone).
Of course this all depends on if you’re someone who enjoys being outside. But if you’re reading this blog, chances are you might be. Our garden is just starting its journey, but it’s got big hopes and dreams. Sustainability is our key goal, but sharing this process with the community is just as exciting. We want to get more people into the outdoors, and connect with our community through education and involvement. As we continue this new year, plants will sprout (strawberries, onions, peas, and more) and the benefits will continue to take root.
One of the many ways we hope to use our garden to teach others about its benefits is in regard to fighting the climate crisis. As we face increasing global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere, the simple act of tending to a garden can make all the difference. During photosynthesis, plants capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, serving as “carbon sinks” that help remove harmful carbon dioxide. By increasing the plants, trees, and greenery around us, we help build a more sustainable community and planet.
Additionally, growing and purchasing local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, lowers an individual’s carbon footprint by decreasing the costs associated with transportation and industrial agriculture. So, the next time you’re out grocery shopping, look for the signs that say “organic” or “local” and the environment will thank you in return.
As our garden continues to grow, we hope to provide produce for the community through local farmers markets, food banks, and vendors. Farmers markets aren’t just a place to buy your weekly produce, they are platforms that cultivate community and connection over the shared values of giving back to the environment. They provide a space for local growers to share their knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture. By engaging with and supporting local vendors, you can not only learn more about the origins of your food, but you can gain valuable knowledge on gardening techniques, composting, and sustainable living. Through these interactions, we hope to develop a deeper sense of community and sustainability. We aim to encourage others to embark on gardening endeavors of their own, leading to a greener, more sustainable campus and planet.
