An Organic Campus
Linn-Benton Community College has one-upped traditional cafeteria food.
It may come as a surprise to find that most of the vegetables in the LBCC food system have actually been grown, organically, here on campus by fellow students and instructors.
On such a small campus one might wonder where a garden could possibly fit, however slowly but surely this well kept secret has been growing for the past 11 years since Stefan Seiter planted the sustainability program on a small west side, one acre plot out past the volleyball courts.
But the garden is growing and the goods are being noticed. "We have an herb garden, annual fields, perennial trees and shrubs, two unheated greenhouses, sheds and a rain garden" reports Miriam Edell, the year round supervisor of the garden. Miriam helps students with the over all maintenance procedures for organic farming and gardening, as well as working with work study individuals "giving them opportunities to learn about garden maintenance, such as mowing, mulching trees and fields, making compost, general clean up, watering and weeding."
An article published in the Gazette Times on May, 11th 2014 by Steve Lathrop, reveals that although "the demand from the school is small" those working in the garden - Seiter, Edell, horticulture and work study students - still provide a hearty amount of produce to not only the culinary arts program at Linn-Benton, but also to the student body and community by means of a small, once a week farmers market here on campus.
The opportunities that come with the garden and green house are widespread, one of which includes providing a hands-on learning environment for students participating in the new Profitable Small Farm certificate program, which started this past fall. In addition to scholastic opportunities for students, there is also a community field for members to work on, and summer positions available as well.
Whether you have any experience working with plants, trees and animals on a small or large scale plot of land, the LBCC Organic Garden offers a student ground-up learning opportunity to get their hands dirty, mind clear and immune system boosted, not to mention be able to enjoy seeing and tasting the fruits of their labors enjoyed here on campus.
For more information on how to get involved with the garden, keep your eyes out for the Horticulture Club Profile in the Commuter next week, check in with work study and or contact Edell or Seiter in White Oak Hall.
At A Glance:
What: LBCC's Organic Garden and Green house
Where: West Side of Campus in Albany Oregon
Who's Involved: Horticulture students and instructors, community members, Horticulture Club
What's Growing: Perrenials, herbs, vegetables, trees
Utilities: Green house, rain shed, shed and green house
For more information:
Miriam Edell: edellm@linnbenton.edu WOH 123
Stefan Seiter stefan.seiter@linnbenton.edu WOH 124
Horticulture Club President: Sunny Green sunny.green.2279@mail.linnbenton.edu
