The University News

Issue date: 9/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Kevin Bryce

Cases of "green thumb" are sprouting up across campus.

All evidence points to a formerly vacant lot at 54th and Charlotte streets, just behind the Education Building.

The culprit is the student-organized UMKC community garden.

"It's a really neat thing," said student gardener Suzette Spitzmiller, who has been helping with the project.

The garden was founded in the spring as a joint effort between students, faculty and Think, Work, Inspire, Grow (T.W.I.G.).

Now, only months later, the garden is overflowing with arugula, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelon, okra, potatoes, dill, raspberries, strawberries, broccoli, chili peppers and more thanks to the hard work put into plowing and planting seeds.

For some involved, gardening is a long-time passion. Others got their first taste of working the soil while helping out with the UMKC community garden.

Spitzmiller was a first-time gardener when she got involved with the project.

"It changed my aspect," she said. "I am used to seeing things already grown in the store. I really like it."



Kaye Johnston, coordinator for Campus Facilities Management and director of the Sustainability Team, said she has noticed Spitzmiller and other students work diligently over the summer and into the fall to keep the garden in tip-top shape.

"They have shared their veggies with staff, students and faculty and it is amazing how they have really made it a community garden," Johnston said. "I am so proud that Campus Facilities Management and the students have come together in such a positive way."

Aside from providing fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, Johnston said the garden is a great fit with the sustainable goals of UMKC.

"A community garden is really a great thing for campus," she said. "Supporting the infrastructure for local food is another great way to continue the forward momentum for a sustainable campus … tasty too!"

Spitzmiller said anyone on campus is welcome to stop by the garden and gather some fruits and vegetables. However, the students do request that those who partake also help with pulling weeds and such.

"We are not going to turn away people who are hungry," she said. "But if you can help out, it's best."

The students involved in this project have big plans for the future.

At the end of September, they will go before the Student Government Association to be recognized as the UMKC Garden Collective and have a constitution approved.

As an official student group, Garden Collective hopes to expand the garden next spring. Plans include planting a bumper crop so the harvest can be sold, making the garden self-sustaining.

The students also hope to expand the size of the garden and the variation of plants.

Currently, 12 or 13 people are involved, but the group also hopes to see participation grow.

For Spitzmiller, gardening has been a good experience.

"I am impressed wholistically," she said.



alang@unews.com

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