Campus Garden is Wake Forest’s best kept secret
A thriving, organic garden is hiding in the most unlikely spot on campus
Next to the barren wasteland that is the sophomore parking lot lies a hidden oasis (no, not the DKE house).
Just to the left of endless rows of parking spaces, along the graveyard of red Solo cups is a thriving, bountiful garden. Campus Garden is run through the Office of Sustainability at Wake Forest, working to educate the student body on the production and consumption of sustainable food.
photo courtesy of Ann Nguyen
The Garden embodies the beauty of the nature cycle. Food scraps from campus are used to make compost, which is then used to fertilize the soil in the gardens, with the produce finally returning back to Wake Forest to utilized in meals for Campus Kitchen. The meals from Campus Kitchen are then delivered to organizations such as nursing homes and community centers throughout Winston-Salem.
Each year, the garden staff reassesses the needs of Campus Kitchen to determine the best types of produce to use and cook in their meals. They also rearrange the garden’s layout every season to create the most dynamic ecosystem possible.
photo courtesy of Emily Claire Mackey
Having previously volunteered in the garden, I can say that I undoubtedly felt more connected to the oft-forgotten food system. Seeing the entire process of growth and harvesting kale and lettuces made me appreciate the difficult work and care needed to produce quality, sustainable food. It’s laborious and dirty work, but the results are beyond delicious and rewarding.
Sophomore Emily Claire Mackey, who works for the Office of Sustainability, introduced me to Campus Garden. She works tirelessly in the gardens throughout the week, encouraging others to volunteer and learn about organic gardening. She believes the most valuable aspect of the garden is its ability to be “a dynamic system that is completely personalized to the needs of our campus.”
photo courtesy of Ann Nguyen
To get involved with Campus Garden, keep an eye out for their celebrations of equinoxes and other gatherings through the Sustainability Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for a volunteer shift.
Even nature haters will enjoy the the wonderfully welcoming atmosphere in the garden, and perhaps will even be back for more.