WC Lawson (The Beacon)
By W.C. Lawson, Guest Commentary
There are a group of folks on campus who are true "underground" kids. For over five years now, the SLUG Club has been digging, planting, and harvesting a multicolor of vegetables and fruits in the gardens down the street from Schoenfedlt Hall.
Within the past year, rumors had spread around the campus that not only would the SLUG House be rezoned, but also major parts of the garden would be deconstructed for extra housing.
Dr. Bard, the head Professor in charge of the club and garden, was given a two-year window upon establishment to prove success.
"The University wasn't too keen on the idea in the first place," said Dr. Bard.
According to Bard, he believes the reason why the rumors had spread were the result of lack in leadership within the club. "In the past six months, the garden has received attention, just on an individual level," said Bard.
Much support in the garden has been thanks to a few UP alumni, including James Fallon-Cote and Dan Prahl.
Currently the club is going through a few minor organizational changes but has been in full force in the past couple of weeks. Student involvement is increasing, but the club is reaching out for more students to join. Clifton Campbell, Senior Environmental Science student, has been a major contributor to the progression of the garden.
"For two Saturdays in a row, we have showed up in the afternoon, made attainable goals, and met them, said Campbell. So far, we have tilled the majority of beds, began over a hundred germinations for winter harvest, restored the compost, began tool inventory, and started a few side projects. Working devolves into eating food and conversation around dusk."
With all of the changes the University has already put forth the money and priority to construct, including more dorms and the renovation of the library, Bard doesn't think the administration is even considering any changes in the SLUG Garden anytime soon.
"The University has made a commitment to SLUG," said Bard. Including Dr. Bard, Dr. Bowen, Dr. Asarnow, Dr. Monto, and a few other sponsors on campus have graciously made donations to the club to keep it established.
Not only does the club provide produce in harvest events throughout the year, but also the garden provides much more than that to some students around campus. It's one of those hidden spots that are perfect for under the tree reading or just gazing beyond the bluff. There's something else to this garden. Here, life is happening. It's a special place.
To join the club, you can contact Dr. Bard (Bard@up.edu), Clif Campbell (campbell13@up.edu), or Claire Dinsmore (Dinsmore14@up.edu).
W.C. Lawson is a junior communication major. He can be reached at lawson14@up.edu.
