AU environmental clubs have come together to kick off the fall season with a celebration for the community garden and the people who care about it. The garden is located next to Reeves Field, where the event took place on Friday, September 30.
“A lot of people have been out and about in the rain, which makes me really happy and hopeful for the future of the garden,” said Kat Raiano, a junior in the School of Public Affairs and director of communications. from the community. garden.
The community garden provides companionship and education, as it meets every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. during working days and requires no prior experience.
“I think the garden is for everyone… I couldn’t tell you half the people here, I don’t know what their names are, but I know every Saturday I’ll be there, we’ll have a have a good time, and that’s community,” said Samantha Margot, a first-year student at the School of Communication.
The Garden Party was a way to catch up with those who attended work days and to meet new faces eager to join the community. The Garden Party showcased the value of eco-friendliness through a scavenger hunt, which encouraged people to find ingredients in the garden to use in a pasta recipe. There was also a tie-dye station with herbal dye from the garden.
“[We] also have thoughts on the garden… we started a big garden drawing last week where everyone took a minute and kind of drew something that gets lost or something that they really enjoy in the space said Raiano.
Last semester, community garden members learned that the UA Center for Athletic Performance building is being constructed in place of the garden, forcing a move, which many members are unhappy about.
“I am obviously very sad that the space that we have truly cultivated, that we love and that our community has truly centered on, is being razed in the name of monetary interest and short-term monetary gain, as opposed to stability. long-term sustainability of our community and an on-campus community connected to environmental issues,” Raiano said.
The music playing on a stereo, combined with the rainy weather, gave the party a sentimental light. The students were at each station, hugging and reminiscing about their shared memories and fears for the future of the garden. The members who organized the party ensured that it would go on despite the weather, which created a sense of determination and passion.
“I hope with this garden move and this new attention that is being given to the garden, it will perhaps tell the administration that we are important and that there is a large part of the campus which is in fact dedicated to the garden who wants the garden in their lives. Said Margot.
samanthamyers@theeagleonline.com
