Gardens are Cool!

Hi my name is Curtis, I am a junior majoring in Exercise science, with a minor in environmental studies. I'm currently serving my second AmeriCorps term as a CSE (Center for Sustainability and The Environment) summer intern. It has been a pleasure to work with CSE and the AmeriCorps program for the past two years. I have made substantial progress within my personal development as a contributing citizen. The opportunities for growth are limitless within this summer experience, which is why I chose to do it for a second year.  

The CSE summer internship equips students with crucial skills, including identifying and addressing injustice, understanding effective advocacy and civic engagement, and establishing reciprocal partnerships with diverse communities. Being able to participate in programs such as this,  ultimately connects students with transformative opportunities that extend beyond our academic pursuits. 

  So far, things at the gardens have been great!  We have completed planting in almost every row at the farm and inside our newly refurbished green house. Getting plants in the ground is one of the most crucial tasks especially in the beginning. With this task completed we now can focus on encouraging healthy plant life to produce great harvest in the latter months. Promoting healthy plant life includes the tedious but satisfying tasks of bug checks, pest control, weeding, watering, thinning , re-planting and harvesting. We've gotten past the more vigorous parts of gardening, now its time sit back and let nature take it course. I am eager to see how things will turn out this year.

Photography by Kaen

Albion, Michigan is a city that breeds tough, gritty, hardworking people. Living in Albion for the past 2-3 years has opened my eyes to the many injustices and social issues that are present in cities. Albion is a city that is food insecure in many areas. With programs like CSE and AmeriCorps this program works to address injustice. We are not only able to identity injustice but also provide action to address the issue. Last year's farm produced over 3,000lbs of produce that was donated to the community. This year we are on course to succeed that number, along with donating food we also provide service e to the local food banks and pantries.

Overall, this gardening season has started off very successful. I'm sure in a few weeks we will be able to reap the benefits of our hard work and begin harvesting from the early producers. I will be sure to update you all on how things turn out moving forward but until then don't forget to turn off your toaster.

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