University of North Carolina, Greensboro
ER-T2-2: Organic Garden

After years of building support, ground was broken for a campus garden in October 2010. Faculty and staff, working with the Sustainability Office, were able to gain permission from the university to use the site of a demolished home to build the UNCGreensboro Gardens. The empty lot first contained 25 raised beds, constructed with boards salvaged from an old barn; this was expanded to more than 35 in 2012. Pathways are covered with wood chips from tree trimming and removal work that occurred on or near campus. UNCGreensboro Gardens aims to build healthy, interactive communities through the collective production of locally grown, organic food. The UNCGG is able to draw on the knowledge of various experts at the university and within the local community, including area master gardeners. The Garden has been used by many classes, including Environmental Studies and a Classics course, “The Archaeology of Roman Daily Life,” in which students grew foods used by ancient Romans. Several staff groups have plots, and the Garden has also spawned a student gardening club. Finally, Dining Services has planted herbs that they use in dishes they cater on campus.