The Tallahassee Sustainability Group (TSG) is spearheading a plan to build and maintain an on-campus garden at Florida State.
The 64th student senate recently passed a resolution in support of the project.
Martha Lang, Ph.D. philosophy student at FSU and head of the TSG on-campus garden committee said the garden will utilize the most efficient permaculture techniques possible to grow a variety of crops, including satsuma trees (a citrus tree that can be grown in Tallahassee due to its ability to tolerate temperatures as low as the mid 20s) and seasonal foods like tomatoes, lettuces, greens, corn and various berries.
At this time, the location of the garden is uncertain, though Lang hopes the garden will be placed somewhere that everyone can enjoy it.
“We understand the connection between people and their environment,” said Lang. “This project will benefit a variety of people.”
Design workshops are taking place in order to choose a precise location for the garden, though it could take months for the land to be secured for this project.
Finding the right location, one that is accessible for a variety of needs, will undoubtedly require the input of many partners.
TSG is also in the process of requesting funds from SGA and the Student Green Fund. In spring 2013, these organizations will vote to award funds to the on-campus garden.
“If all goes well, building could start as early as next fall,” Lang said.
TSG has also received support from other various other environmentally minded groups in Tallahassee, including the Florida Native Plant Society and Transition Tallahassee.
Elizabeth Swiman, FSU’s director of the campus sustainability, wholeheartedly approves the resolution for the garden.
“The resolution is a great show of student support for a project that has been talked about for many years,” said Swiman. “It shows that students are working to build support for something they want to see enhance their campus.”
TSG is building the garden for a host of reasons. First, by promoting local food production they will cut back on greenhouse gas emissions by removing the need to transport foods long distances. In addition, they feel gardening is an enjoyable hobby that many people have already expressed interest in by volunteering their time to the on-campus garden project.
Students majoring in Urban Planning will be called upon to help design the project. TSG plans to start a farmer’s market to raise money for the university.
Research teams are currently working proactively to prevent things like theft and vandalism from occurring at the garden. Nutrition Science majors are urged to get involved as well. Ideally, this would be a multi-disciplinary effort to create and maintain a garden that will benefit students health and well being.
”A campus garden can be a great place of learning, too, for students,” said Swiman.
“It’s a great way to practice the skills they are learning in the classroom.”
In the meantime, TSG is working to plant various trees around campus for students to enjoy.
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