Harvesting Hope: Growing for the Future by Hengame Abassi
Harvesting Hope: Growing for the Future
By Hengame Abassi
A master’s thesis project on the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Sustainability
Garden.
Pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, birds, bats and other animals are hard at work providing vital but often unnoticed services. They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, almonds, coffee and chocolate.
About the G.A.R.D.E.N.
The G.A.R.D.E.N. is a half-acre site managed by the Institute for Sustainability with support from California Climate Action Corps Fellows as well as hundreds of students and community volunteers who help care for the space each year. Seasonal vegetables and herbs are grown in over 500 square feet of bed space alongside dozens of fruit trees and a wide variety of California native plants, all without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The mission and spirit of the G.A.R.D.E.N. is best understood through the full name itself:
- Growing: This is a living space and community which actively changes and evolves over the years and seasons.
- Accessible: Individuals of all abilities and levels of experience are encouraged to contribute to and learn from our public university garden.
- Resources: The garden provides healthy, organic, locally grown food directly to CSUN students and staff via the CSUN Food Pantry, while also serving as a resource for education and skill-building.
- Diversity: Of people, plants, and animals. The garden is a place for the proliferation of native plants and the species they support as well as a site for celebrating cultural heritage and community connection.
- Education: The garden is a space for students, staff, faculty, and neighbors to learn together through hands-on collaboration, formal workshops, and volunteering.
- Nourishment: The garden nourishes the body and mind through fresh food, interconnectedness with the wider ecosystem, and a community of caring people concerned for the well-being of our planet and one another.
Read more on the G.A.R.D.E.N. :
Biodiversity and composting at CSUN sustainability Garden
The garden supports a diverse collection of over 200 species of california native plants. The Institute hired a biodiversity coordinator to monitor species using in person assessments and INaturalist. CSUN coastal sage scrub is a valuable habitat for the threatened Costal California Gnatcatcher. CSUN has been recognized as a bee Campus USA for the third year in row.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-rh2rz-1866dca
Cultivating Community; the Garden at CSUN
An overview of the Garden as a hub for sustainable gardening and community empowerment since 2008. Highlighting the importance of community gardens in addressing food insecurity and environmental challenges. Addressing the gap in research regarding the use of storytelling in sustainability education.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2xmrd-1866b9b
Mitigating our footprint in climate change.
An interview with CSUN staff on Community Gardening, composting , Biodiversity, indigenous, food insecurities food pantry and CSUN sustainability Garden Product tat goes to CSUN food Pantry. Mitigating our footprint in climate change by contributing sustainable gardening, proper use of water in irrigation. The garden as a living class room for students all fields. voluntary in garden as a hands on tool.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z22hr-177058a
A visit to the Sustainability Garden with Kol.
In a conversation with one of the sustainability garden officials about native trees, sustainability garden projects, food pantry, food produced in the sustainability garden, drought, irrigation.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-62ekm-17581c8
Overview of irrigation methods at the CSUN Sustainability Garden.
Sustainable water practices in urban agriculture.
Community efforts in conserving water while maintaining growth.
Challenges and creative solutions for water management in arid climates
Soil Function in Sustainability Gardening
Soil is a complex dynamic ecosystem of mineral particles organic matter, water, air and living organisms. it serves as the foundation for plant growth and plays a crucial role in various ecological processes. soil provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need for growth healthy. from water improving water quality.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s975a-1728f1b
Seed of change: A Garden Story
The Institute for Sustainability was stablished in 2009. The formal launch occurred in March 2010 with the creation of the CSUN Organic Food Garden, starting off with just five raised beds. In 2016, the garden experienced significant growth. The garden symbolizes a living classroom.
It focuses on Education, Food security, Community building, and environmental stewardship. Emphasizing composting and protecting biodiversity.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gb26t-1866f15