Carleton University has officially unveiled its community garden on campus – complete with tomatoes, peas, carrots and more.
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) hosted an official launch ceremony on Sept. 19. The garden is located just north of Leeds House, beside Parking Lot P6.
“This was our first growing season, and it was pretty successful,” said Grant MacNeil, president of the GSA. “We have about 100 people who have plots, and even more volunteers.”
MacNeil said the GSA and university administration worked collaboratively for the past few years to find the right spot for the garden, test the soil and secure the space.
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The GSA also worked with the Aboriginal community, and Algonquin elders attended the event. They performed a naming ceremony – calling the garden Kitigànensag, meaning “Little Gardens.”
“The GSA is trying to work as allies with the Aboriginal community on campus,” says MacNeil, adding that the campus falls on Algonquin territory.
Duncan Watt, vice-president (Finance and Administration) at Carleton, says the garden fits with the university’s desire to become a more sustainable organization.
“It’s a wonderful addition to the Carleton community,” said Watt. “In particular, I want to thank the GSA for their perseverance and for making this happen.”
MacNeil said the garden is open to all on campus, and students, faculty and staff can each grow and harvest their own plot.
“We’d love to see more food growing on campus, and promote (the garden) as a place for everyone.’’
For more information on the GSA, visit their website: gsacarleton.ca.
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Media Inquiries:
Chris Cline
Media Relations Co-ordinator
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
613-355-0336
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
Monday, September 23, 2013 in News Releases
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