Environmental Technology student partners with local food bank
Aisha, Environmental Technology, has launched a new urban garden initiative at the Benchlands Campus, working in partnership with a regional food bank to address food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
The project began earlier this term when Aisha identified a small, underutilized plot of land near the Escarpment Building. Using knowledge gained from her environmental science and water management courses, she designed a system that recycles greywater and uses native plants to support local pollinators.
"I wanted to take what I was learning about soil remediation and water conservation and apply it to something that would help people directly," Aisha said. "Growing fresh produce for the food bank is the best way to see that impact."
The garden features raised beds built from reclaimed materials and an irrigation system designed by the School of Construction & the Environment. Students from the Environmental Technology and Architectural Technology programs volunteered their weekends to help build the infrastructure.
Dr. Valeria Ruiz, faculty member in the Environmental Technology department, served as the project's academic advisor. "Aisha's initiative shows the kind of practical problem-solving we aim for," Dr. Ruiz said. "She didn't just write a paper; she built a solution that is already providing fresh vegetables to the community."
The food bank has committed to harvesting all produce for distribution to families in the City of Wrenford. The garden is expected to remain active through the autumn harvest, with plans to install cold frames for winter growing next year.
Students interested in learning more about the Environmental Technology program can find details on the program page.