Community garden sprouts on UNTHSC campus

February 13, 2014

UNT Health Science Center is converting an unused piece of land into the campus’ first community garden. Groundbreaking will begin at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at 3621 W. Seventh St.

Launched by Facilities Management’s Office of Sustainability and the Sustainability Committee to help create a healthier community, the garden will enhance university and community engagement, promote sustainable food production and increase awareness of health and nutrition, environmental stewardship and gardening techniques.

A community garden is any piece of land gardened by a group of people, according to the American Community Gardening Association. Many organizations and universities have such gardens, including Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Arlington.

A portion of the crop will be donated to a food bank.

The first 16 plots, each 4 by 12 feet, will be gardened by UNTHSC students, employees and sponsors in a pilot project. In coming years, the community at large will be invited to adopt garden plots.

Already, the garden is being supported with monetary and in-kind donations from Archie’s Gardenland, Calloway’s Nursery, St. Emilion restaurant, Silver Creek Materials and UNTHSC Facilities Management.

To make tax-deductible donations of supplies or money, please contact Sustainability Coordinator Sandy Bauman, sandy.bauman@unthsc.edu or 817-735-2451.