Granting sustainability
Instructor wins grant to start project garden
Alyssa Skiba
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Lifestyle
The dreams and visions powered by the strong determination of an avid gardener were enough to secure a grant that will bring sustainability to the UW-Whitewater campus and community.
Lecturer Sharon Roy received a generous strategic initiatives grant allowing for the creation of a sustainability garden near the new college of business building, Hyland Hall.
Roy came up with the idea to produce a sustainability garden at UW-Whitewater in November when she attended a seminar in Madison about agriculture and sustainability.
"It's an opportunity for students to be immersed in sustainability," Roy said. "The garden will be a working tool for the university."
In order to receive the grant, the proposed project had to be visible, sustainable and align with the strategic goals of the college.
Because UW-Whitewater is not an agriculturally focused school and the issue of sustainability continues to rise in importance, Roy said the garden would put the college one step ahead of the pack.
"Much of the research on sustainability will come from our universities," Roy said. "I want UW-Whitewater to get a piece of that pie."
The garden will be located on the plot of grass between Hyland and Upham Halls.
"By having a living, breathing source of energy at the nucleus of the campus, this will reinforce the UW system's commitment to green initiatives," Roy said.
The design of the garden will focus on a circular theme with water features, fencing, arbors and solar lights. It will also feature some international aspects along the walking path of the garden. There will be plants and artwork from different parts of the world as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Learning Communities that focus on a certain passion will have access to the garden. It will also introduce incoming freshman to the idea of sustainability on campus.
The garden will rely on student organizations and ownership, as well as corporations for marketing. Benches, tables and patios will be available to be engraved with the name of sponsors.
Lecturer Sharon Roy received a generous strategic initiatives grant allowing for the creation of a sustainability garden near the new college of business building, Hyland Hall.
Roy came up with the idea to produce a sustainability garden at UW-Whitewater in November when she attended a seminar in Madison about agriculture and sustainability.
"It's an opportunity for students to be immersed in sustainability," Roy said. "The garden will be a working tool for the university."
In order to receive the grant, the proposed project had to be visible, sustainable and align with the strategic goals of the college.
Because UW-Whitewater is not an agriculturally focused school and the issue of sustainability continues to rise in importance, Roy said the garden would put the college one step ahead of the pack.
"Much of the research on sustainability will come from our universities," Roy said. "I want UW-Whitewater to get a piece of that pie."
The garden will be located on the plot of grass between Hyland and Upham Halls.
"By having a living, breathing source of energy at the nucleus of the campus, this will reinforce the UW system's commitment to green initiatives," Roy said.
The design of the garden will focus on a circular theme with water features, fencing, arbors and solar lights. It will also feature some international aspects along the walking path of the garden. There will be plants and artwork from different parts of the world as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Learning Communities that focus on a certain passion will have access to the garden. It will also introduce incoming freshman to the idea of sustainability on campus.
The garden will rely on student organizations and ownership, as well as corporations for marketing. Benches, tables and patios will be available to be engraved with the name of sponsors.
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