IU Campus Garden Initiative to host work day to implement recent redesign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Campus Garden Initiative will host a volunteer work day at Hilltop Garden from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Campus and Bloomington community members are encouraged to sign up and participate.
Under the instruction of Office of Sustainability staff, professor Carl Ipsen and local permaculture consultant Jonas Carpenter, IU Bloomington students Austin Davis, Jakob Bergman and Eleanor Jackson-Laird created redesign plans for the garden through a service-learning independent study course in the fall 2013 semester. The group used several permaculture principles, such as the integration of contoured beds, water catchment and soil enrichment strategies, and perennial plantings.
"We love our garden, and we're proud of it; but we wanted to improve the overall efficiency and beauty of the space," said Campus Garden Initiative coordinator Audrey Brinkers.
Members of IU’s Garden Corps will lead volunteer groups through the implementation workday. Sunday’s volunteers can expect to assist with the construction of new swales and beds, mulching, and the laying of compost and straw. Perennials are to be planted, made possible through a grant from the Bloomington Garden Club. Snacks will be provided throughout the workday. Volunteer shifts begin at noon and last for two hours. Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up for a shift online.
The Campus Garden Initiative was created in 2011 through the Office of Sustainability with support from the University Architect’s Office, Campus Division and Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. Through hands-on, educationally based learning opportunities, the initiative and its governing body, the Edible Campus Steering Committee, seek to educate IU Bloomington students about the food system and the importance of local and sustainable food.
"Part of Hilltop’s mission is to serve as an educational resource for IU students, and having the Campus Garden at Hilltop helps us serve that mission," said Lea Woodard, Hilltop coordinator. "It is great to have so many IU students interested in gardening and learning about the hard work it takes to grow their own food."
Hilltop Garden and Nature Center is at 2367 E. 10th St. just north of Tulip Tree Apartments.
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Media Contacts
Audrey Brinkers
- Campus Garden Initiative
- Office 812-855-2578
- aebrinke@indiana.edu