By: Ashlee Hall
On a small patch of land just off campus sits the Organic Community Garden. The garden is self-funded through plant sales hosted by UM’s Environmental Club.
The E-Club aims to promote safe and sustainable practices throughout the local community and educate students on their surrounding environment.
“We really hope to improve the student body’s understanding of our natural environment and we really hope to make a difference on campus,” said E-club member, Trinity Buse.
Day to day operations of the garden are managed by community member Holly Wadleigh, who has worked with horticulture for close to 20 years. She gained her knowledge and love for plants by working at Petals from the Past, a garden center located in Chilton County.
To promote the safest practices, the garden is all organic. No sprays or pesticides are used, allowing the plants to grow naturally.
“Everything here is what God put in the ground, we don’t use any chemicals or sprays,” said Wadleigh.
The plant sales take place throughout the school year and all funds raised go to supporting the E-club and the garden. To keep up with the upcoming plant sales, visit um_environmental on Instagram.
In addition to helping with the plant sale, E-club members came dressed to work for earth week. Students were able to count the hours they spent working in the garden as community service.
E-club hosts many events throughout the semester that help their local community. If interested in learning more, their general meetings are held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the tower, located by the cafeteria on campus.
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