What : The Fairfield University community will gather at the site of the campus's very first vegetable and herb garden for a dedication ceremony and blessing to be given by President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. "This garden is not only a project in sustainability, but in education," said Dana August, '11, of Leaders of Environmental Awareness at Fairfield (LEAF), a student environmental group.

When : Monday, September 27, 2010, at 5 p.m.

Where : The campus garden is located across from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, near the Round Hill Road Gate and the Early Learning Center.

Why: It is one of many sustainability projects initiated by the University. An 'outdoor classroom' for environmental studies and biology students, the garden is being utilized by such professors as Dr. Jen Klug and Dr. Tod Osier to teach students how to grow their own food and realize the pleasure that comes from gardening. The garden's harvest is turning up on student dining hall menus. Proceeds from some of the garden's beds have also supplied Harvest Now, a hunger relief program.

Background: Faculty, students, staff and alumni broke ground on the garden early this summer. It includes 18 raised beds where carrots, squash, tomatoes, perennial herbs, hot and sweet peppers, and pumpkins are being harvested. Student residents of the new Environmental Living and Learning community are helping to care for the garden, among many other individuals.

Posted On: 09-21-2010 10:09 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 50