Ecologue

Come learn about the SEC Permaculture garden created by and for students!

Have you walked by the Southeastern corner of the Student Experience Center (SEC) lately? This year, students Kyler Jacobo, and Allen Dysart have been working through the Student Sustainability Initiative (SSI) Project Grant Program to establish an accessible, perennial food forest in the 500 square foot plot located on the eastern side of the building. This site is rather small for a garden, and has many utilities located on site that obstruct the otherwise blank canvas of the soil. Within the 500 square feet site there are three electrical boxes, a drain, several signs, and a manhole. This would generally eliminate the site as a candidate for food production but these students have designed an edible garden complete with compacted gravel pathways, a raspberry trellis, a raised strawberry bed, several fruit trees and a plethora of shrubs and ground covers in this space. This garden was based off of the principles of permaculture in order to maximize productivity while minimizing maintenance and impacts on the environment.

“My vision of this of this grant was to promote sustainability on campus by utilizing our land in a productive and responsible manner. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to receive funding for this grant because of the great connections and knowledge I have gained from being a part of this project. Through the SSI, I have gained valuable insight as to what I can expect in my future, collaborating with other departments while following standards and meeting deadlines,” says Jacobo.

The final design of the garden was inspired by Andrew Millison’s Permaculture Design Course where students focused on this plot of land and the space surrounding the SEC for their main class project. Although the grant project is complete for this school year, there will be opportunities to help next year. Seasonal work parties will take place and signage will be installed in the fall. The SSI will be looking for a sustainable landscaping intern early next fall term to help with projects like this. If you’re interesting in getting involved in any capacity, feel free to contact Micco at SSI.landscape@oregonstate.edu

Special recognition to students Jordan McCornack, and Georgia King who both assisted in making the project complete by helping in plant selection and the application process. Regarding university staff, thanks to Bill Coslow, head of the OSU Landscaping Department for providing technical support and arranging meetings with various campus officials such as. Thanks to Sid Cooper for giving his official seal of approval to this project. Thanks to Jen Christion-Myers for providing policy support for the grant committee, Cody Buckman for his generous loan of tools that made every work party possible, Sylvan Pritchett and others from UHDS for providing their technical knowledge, John Mikkelsen for a generous donation of Willow Oak salvaged from the Strand Hall renovations, Susan Bourke and others from the Craft Center for making the woodworks possible, and Andrew Millison for his willing partnership. Lastly, Micco Emeson for helping us stay on track throughout the year.