Community garden brings new growth to UTSA
(March 6, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is extending its sustainability focus with the new UTSA community garden. Student groups, faculty, staff and alumni can now grow their own fruits and vegetables to eat, share and reproduce.
"The students' motivations are diverse: to promote environmental sustainability, to take charge of their personal health, to ensure food access and equity for underserved populations—but their common passion brings them together," said Lindsay Ratcliffe, faculty adviser for the Green Society at UTSA. "What a great reminder that gardening is for everyone."
UTSA students began promoting the idea for a community garden in 2013. With additional input from the Green Society at UTSA, the UTSA Office of Sustainability and experienced home gardeners, the project finally came to fruition. Financed by the Green Fund, which assists the university's efforts in sustainability, the garden is a community effort.
"Our goal is to influence more people at UTSA to practice sustainability by planting their own food," said Anthony Govea, UTSA cybersecurity senior and Green Society project coordinator. "Students learn to grow food on campus, then apply that knowledge by planting a garden at home, further benefiting the environment and reducing waste."
Located on the southwest corner of the UTSA Main Campus near Brackenridge Ave. Lot 5, the garden features six raised beds. Five of them are 3' x 30' and each divided into three plots. The sixth bed is raised higher to provide wheelchair accessibility.
One of the plots will combine corn, beans and squash to serve as a demonstration plot for the others.
"Planting different crops together is symbolic in that the vegetables work together to be more fruitful and productive," said Govea.
The Green Society will provide seeds and training to help plot owners get started. Govea hopes the garden also becomes a gathering place for students to learn more about sustainability.
Govea said that organizers hope to host a farmer's market on campus in the near future to share the crops with the community. They also want to provide produce to the Roadrunner Pantry to share with students in need.
Several student groups have already reserved plots. Faculty, staff and alumni groups are also encouraged to plant if space is available.
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Events
The UTSA Veteran and Military Office will be holding a social event for our new military-affiliated students to come out and meet our office, staff, and other students.
MB 0.100, Ground Floor Lobby, Main BuildingThe Roadrunner Pantry/Whataburger Resource Room has joined efforts with the campus community for the Move-In Market! Come shop for some great items for your room or apartment to get you started and set up for success. The best part about it--everything is free! Bring your UTSA student ID to receive shopping credits.
Student Union Annex (BK Lot 5 next to Campus Garden)UTSA parents and family members are invited for appetizers and drinks to meet other Roadrunner families following Move-In Week. Students are encouraged to attend Comedy Night and Late Night at the Rec, while family members celebrate their student’s next chapter.
Willie's Roadhouse, 4051 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78257Late Night at the Rec features an evening of fun, games, giveaways, and excitement. It's also a great way to learn about the facilities, recreation programs, and wellness services offered at the Main and Downtown campuses.
Campus Rec Center, Main CampusCome show your Roadrunner Spirit by joining our very own Rowdy, The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band (SOSA), your fellow students, as we light the Monument at our Main Campus entrance at the stroke of midnight to mark the start of a new academic year.
Main CampusAnnual Giving will host a First Day of School celebration to welcome students back to campus. We will have giveaways and photo opportunities.
Sombrilla PlazaA sweet start to the Semester. Join the University College to customize your own sugar cookie while enjoying connecting with other UTSA students.
Airport Lounge (SU 2.02.00D,) Student Union, Main Campus