The Green Bear Coalition, a UCA student-led organization, started off the chilly semester with warm conversation while planting seeds and saplings in preparation for spring.
The meeting Jan. 23 took place at the Lewis Science Center in front of the recently refurbished atrium.
The meeting focused on preparing the atrium and gardens of UCA for spring while creating a relaxing environment for its members. The close-knit community advocates for a more sustainable campus and educating the student body of the world around them.
Caring for the environment, exercising sustainable practices and conducting events around nourishing the minds and environment of the community are at the heart of the GBC. The group also pays close attention to establishing and upholding connections with one another while creating a comfortable setting.
Freshman Lauryn Jackson said, “For the most part it is just fun. Gardening was a pretty big part of my recreation. It’s nice to have that in my life again.”
The GBC provides a safe space to explore new creative outlets while helping their fellow students.
Freshman Lauren Brasfield said, “I joined because I needed something to do and it’s pretty here. I needed to find a hobby.”
The group started an organic garden to educate students on the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative, called Seed to Security, works hand in hand with the Bear Essentials Food Pantry to cultivate healthy food for all students.
Senior and vice president of the coalition, Becca Chamoun, said, “We just want everyone to know a little bit more not just about plants but about sustainability and we will help with any volunteer hours.”
When reflecting on the past two and a half years in the club, Chamoun found hard work, community and passion for preservation as the highlight of their experience.
“Revamping the garden,” Chamoun said, was the most fulfilling experience that “we couldn’t have done without everyone’s support, and it was really cool to see that.”
The GBC is aided by graduate assistant Brittany Jones who wishes for “more permanent flowers for the atrium and doing more events with other organizations on campus.”
The atrium garden currently has rosemary, thyme, mums and irises. The members who attended the meeting planted pepper, tomato, eggplant and strawberry seeds to begin the germination process while waiting for the spring season.
Chamoun desires the UCA student body to know “we just like people chilling out and getting to know the garden.”
Chamoun believes the GBC reminds people that “there is a disconnect from where our food comes from in society. Get outside. It’s good for your mental health.”
Increasing memberships becomes a growing subject as many of the members who hold executive positions are graduating soon and urge others to fill the expected empty roles.
The GBC’s upcoming events include a plant sale Feb. 12 in front of the Ronnie Williams Student Center as well as a Self-Love Walk from 12 to 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve.
