Laura Phillips
Junior
Ecology, Evolutionary Organismal Biology, Classical Languages
Community Partner: CCO EARTH Program
"Over the past year Earth CCO has strived to provide unique volunteer opportunities for students to engage in the environment and food security. In addition to continuing our smaller initiatives, such as trail building and trash pickup, we have increased the productivity and impact of the Earth Garden. We worked to expand the garden and our knowledge through a partnership with a KU permaculture class. We developed and administered a survey to obtain feedback from the campus cupboard, and, based on the results, designed a sustainable garden that best meets student needs. During the rebuilding process, we hosted weekly garden workdays. Throughout 2019, close to 50 volunteers, ranging in experience, made the garden a place of learning. Based on enthusiasm, we crafted the KU Student Gardener’s program, where students receive training in gardening and food security issues, and can work independently to garden, harvest, wash produce and assist in delivering produce to the campus cupboard. In 2019 we donated over 500 pounds of produce and with our plans for an orchard and to expand the size of our garden, we hope to produce exponentially more amounts of food. Through this initiative we hope to address the rampant food insecurity that KU students endure and inspire students to garden and help fight for food security themselves."