The Power of Plants

"Like their precursors thousands of years ago, healing gardens are therapeutic sanctuaries that heal the body and mind and comfort the soul." 

~ Doreen G. Howard

There are numerous articles and case studies that report on the benefits of nature. Recently, I have been interested in indoor and outdoor therapeutic gardens. The power of plants is greatly underestimated in our daily lives. 

During my undergraduate years I was never more connected to my campus than when I aided in the design and maintenance of a native prairie garden. Previously I had been involved in variety of student led organizations and events- I even held an office in a few of them- but it was not until I helped establish this garden that my life and work on campus really felt meaningful. I had organized dinners, movie nights, potlucks and workshops, provided information to hundreds of students, but none of those activities made me feel complete. With my garden I was contributing: to nature, to myself, to the campus and well-being of all other students.

Until now, I never considered that spot to be therapeutic. I miss it greatly and pay it a visit whenever I return home.

Today, I have three tiny house plants residing in my apartment: a spider plant (personally, not too fond of the name), Christmas cactus (grown from a plant passed down from my great grandmother) and, some thyme. 

Growing up, my mother always had a spider plant and Christmas cactus growing near a window or hanging from the ceiling. I can still remember her saying, "Don't touch the Christmas cactus!" This warning, of course, made the plant a far greater temptation than it should have been! I never understood my mothers protection of this plant. It did not really do much (apart from drop its leaves and get me in trouble for allegedly messing with it). I always assumed it was sharp- being called a cactus after all- so naturally I was curious.

Every winter, small pink flowers would blossom along its long green arms; I can remember how happy this made my mother. 

When I was preparing to move into my first apartment, here in Athens, I was given a piece of the Christmas cactus and spider plant to grow in my own house. Looking at my "new" plants made me feel overwhelmed with emotions- I was happy to continue the lives of these little house plants. I knew how much they meant to my mom and have slowly realized how they played such a big role in my childhood. When I posted this photo (below) on Facebook, my eldest sister (currently living in Texas) commented: "This picture makes me weirdly homesick." 

(Far left) freshly planted thyme seeds, (middle) Christmas cactus, (far right) spider plant- complete with water worms! Accompanied by veggies from our garden!

Many hospitals and recovery areas are beginning to see the therapeutic power of plants. The Therapeutic Landscape Network has been working to keep track of many therapeutic gardens in the United States. Their mission reads:

The Therapeutic Landscapes Network is a knowledge base and gathering space about healing gardens, restorative landscapes, and other green spaces that promote health and well-being. We are an international, multidisciplinary community of designers, health and human service providers, scholars, and gardeners. Though our focus is broad, our primary emphasis is on evidence-based design in health care settings.(Mission Statement)

Whether in a prison, community or hospital, gardens have a great deal to contribute to our well-being and sustainability.These are restorative areas for humans and wildlife. As a student I realize how busy my life has become- I am constantly working towards a distant goal: midterm, next paper deadline, presentation...graduation! If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed try to incorporate more green into your daily life- not just one day! Get a house plant, visit a garden once a week- volunteer somewhere local- Ecohouse, Community Food Initiatives, West State Street Gardens- find a walking path with more trees and flowers, meet up with friends at a park bench instead of a Starbucks!
 I urge you all to explore your surroundings: green spaces on campus, bike trails, gardens and one of the many beautiful forested areas nearby. If we do not protect and preserve these areas now we will lose them to development, invasive species, or far worse- fracking!

Get informed, get involved, and get outside!

See these links for more information:

Gardens for Recovery
Therapeutic Landscape Network

The Great Outdoors

Last Friday I spent my entire morning discussing the results of the election and what implications they could have for our environment. Politics at 9 am are seldom a  good idea- especially on a Friday! At 1:30 I left my second class and went to work at the Office of Sustainability. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon, but I just didn't take the time to notice for myself. The director arrived and it was decided that I needed to take mandatory outside time. "It's far too nice outside, Markie! You need to leave this office and enjoy this gorgeous weather while you can!"

Wait...what?

I have never had my boss tell me to leave the office and go outside! Although it was a bizarre concept at first, I very quickly warmed up to the idea. I am an Environmental Studies major, but that does not mean that I love spending my free time outside. In fact, my connection to nature is not as spiritual as that of my classmates. I understand the importance of the environment, biodiversity and sustainability. Through this understanding, I am able to have a profound respect for nature- as opposed to a deep spiritual relationship. That is something that may develop overtime- but it cannot be forced. That being said, it goes without saying that I do not spend much time outside. With a five classes and a part-time job who has time to be separated from their computer?! I'd like to meet this person and learn their secrets! 

I keep a blanket in my car- for just such an emergency! I returned home to pick up some books and drop off my absurdly heavy book bag. Returned to campus- blanket at the ready- and sat by the fountain in Emeriti Park. I later learned that this specific area was meant to be a place of remembrance, where students could reflect on the people that played a major role in their academic career (http://www.ohio.edu/athens/bldgs/emeritipk.html). 

My view from the blanket at Emeriti Park! What a gorgeous day!
Photo by: Markie Miller

I am somewhat disturbed at how strange it felt for me to work outside. Yes, I respect and understand nature, but maybe that isn't enough. I also observed that not many students were enjoying this day with me. It is very difficult to not be wrapped up in the strenuous university lifestyle. We become so goal oriented (finish the paper, read the book, pass the final, graduate!) that we forget to stop and be in the present. 

There is nothing wrong with keeping an eye on the future, but it is easy to get caught up in that momentum of upcoming deadlines- be careful or life will hit you fast! 

I urge my fellow Ohio University students to evaluate their own lives! Do you spend time outdoors? Doing what- smoking, reading, biking, just passing through to class (and no, driving with the windows down does not count!)? What is your understanding of ecosystems and natural processes? Do you need to be told to spend time outside?

And perhaps most importantly, do you have a sense of place at Ohio University? Sense of place creates a meaningful connection to your environment. It allows you to participate and contribute. Take pride and ownership in your campus: start a garden, pick up trash when you see it and love this environment! 

Now... go spend some time outside! 

The Ridges hiking trails
Download the map here! 
Ride your bike! 

Athens Farmers Market

This year-2012- is the 40th anniversary of the Athens Farmers Market! If you have not yet been able to shop at the market I urge you all to go and browse the wonderful local, fresh and high quality products available to you! 

The market is located at 1000 East State St. (in the parking lot). It is open 10-1 on Saturdays (year round) and Wednesdays (April-December). Click here for more information on the farmers market! Although I have not yet experienced winter in Athens, I assume that the market moves indoors during the cold winter months. 

I wanted to get to know some of the vendors a bit better- I will be posting interviews with them about their products, businesses and thoughts on sustainability here, but don't just take my word for it- get out to the Market on State!  

Meet Charlene Burnett! Owner of Pie in the Sky Baked Goods! 

Charlene sells homemade baked goods, cakes, pies, cookies and sweet bread to name a few! She sells strictly at the farmers market- so be sure to visit the market to sample her delicious homemade breads! She has been selling for three years at the farmers market. 

Charlene Burnett sells baked goods at the farmers market!
photo by: Markie Miller 

Charlene's products could not be more local! She travels less than 10 miles to get to the farmers market. Her business started when she came to the Athens area and needed a job. She loved to bake, looked up the rules and regulations and "it all fell together". She is a great of example of sustainable entrepreneurship! 

I asked her what she wanted the people of Athens to know about her product. She simply said, "if you miss grandmas baking- come see me!" She said with a smile and much honesty. I loved her response- as a student who is away from home I can understand the comfort that can come from homemade baked goods. 

Farmers markets are a great way to "act local" (recall the motto think global, act local). I asked Charlene to to reflect on this statement. She responded: "the best impact you can make is to act locally. Maybe you can't save the world, but you can do what you can where you're at!" That is exactly what she is doing! 

What about sustainability? To Charlene, sustainability means "leaving as small a footprint as possible". This was a nice take on sustainability from a business standpoint. Her answer had nothing to do with obtaining the largest yield or making the biggest profit. She simply aims to be low key in her endeavor! 

Finally, I asked Charlene what kind of future she saw for farmers markets. She thought it looked promising. Farmers markets deliver good quality products right at home with less driving. It is nice to see so many people supporting the farmers market every week, but it needs your business! 

Visit the farmers market! Buy local! Give a face and a name to the products you buy and know your money is going directly to the source. Starting November 10 there will be a shuttle for students to and from the farmers market. More information can be found here! The bus will meet at the top of Baker Center and go to and from the market beginning at 10:30 am! 

I hope to see you there! 

Garlic

I have a friend in Athens that works diligently on a nearby organic farm. Even though she is taking five graduate level classes and working regularly in the evenings with local watershed groups, she manages to make time for organic gardening, a passion of hers. She makes trips to the Farmacy (a local natural/organic grocery store- located on W. Stimson Avenue) to deliver the tomatoes her farm grows. It was through conversations with her that I came across fall garlic planting- and the delicious food the Farmacy has to offer! 

For those who hate to see the decay of winter take over their garden, I can offer you one last opportunity to keep you garden at work this winter: plant garlic! 

Garlic can be planted now (early autumn) and be ready for harvesting in June! I have never planted garlic before. All of my information has come from this very helpful source: Growing Garlic. I would also recommend that you search the web for information and how-to videos- there are plenty available! 

1. Crack the bulbs up into individual cloves- this will be a fairly easy process. After you should have individual bulbs (somewhat tear drop shaped); 

2. Dig holes in the soil about 8 inches apart and 4-6 inches deep; 

3. Place garlic bulbs into the holes, cover with soil; 

4. Cover the beds (as if you were going to winterize) but be sure to not till the soil after you plant the garlic; keep beds covered with natural debris (decaying matter: leaves, bark, grasses, compost); 

From my own reading about garlic planting, it seems as thought retaining moisture is key to a good harvest. Heavy mulching (but not too compact) will allow autumn rains and snow-melt to keep the garlic moist. A nice layer of decaying matter will protect the bed from sun exposure and erosion. 

If you have experience with autumn garlic planting, please share your procedure! If you attempt this project, let us know about your failures and successes! Good luck gardeners! 

I plan on growing some garlic at the Ecohouse- I will post updates on how it works out! 

Native Plants

This blog post is dedicated to Drs. Eileen and Seamus Metress- my mentors and friends in Toledo- the people who inspired me, taught me and continue to motivate me in my personal and academic life. 

If someone showed us a picture of a rose, weeping willow or some mums, it is very likely that a majority of us would identify these with no problem. If not by name then at least by recognition from daily life. Could you identify butterfly weed, cardinal flower, or blue lobelia? Essential native plants are disappearing all over the United States - having devastating consequences for our environment. Not only are do we not realize that this is a growing problem, but also that we have the power to do something about it!

What is a native plant? Essentially, these are plant (flowers, trees, grasses) species that thrived here before the appearance of humans in the region. These plants have adapted to our soils and our climates. Many prairie plants are well suited for longer periods of drought and do not require the attention and labor we typically associate with gardening.

Native plants have extremely deep roots. This feature allows them to be more self-sustaining and self-reliant- giving the gardener peace of mind on those hot summer days. When you first plant native species you should water them. They need to establish these root systems; however, the second or third growing season, you will find yourself watering them less and less. Their deep roots help soak up water deep in the ground and reserve it. A depiction of these extensive root systems can be found here. This feature of native plants contributes to water conservation and erosion prevention.

Why should it matter that a plant be native or not? It doesn't matter to wildlife, right? Pollen is pollen and leaves are leaves. We are taught to believe this at a young age: all flowers are beneficial and the wildlife love them because they are tasty and pretty! Not exactly... 

  

Black Swallowtail caterpillar in my native garden

The truth is, native wildlife co-evolved with the native flora. Many native species do not have an interest in exotic fauna. This leaves their growth unchecked and as result they are able to out-compete the native flora. Butterflies have very specific host plants required to lay their eggs. They will only leave their eggs on their designated host plants. This provides a unique and specialized food source for the young caterpillars when they emerge.

Many caterpillars are attracted to dill, fennel and parsley plants. If you want to keep caterpillars out of your vegetable garden but attract butterflies to your flowering garden, try adding a bit of parsley or dill around your flowers. Give them their own supply near the flowers so will be more inclined to stick around- and spare your vegetables.

Apart from the widespread development of urban and residential spaces, exotic and invasive plant species have displaced natives. We are losing native land cover at an alarming rate. In Michigan, less than 1 percent of original prairie and savanna are left standing (from the book Prairies and Savannas in Michigan: Rediscovering Our Natural Heritage).

My love and passion for native prairie plants began in my undergraduate career at the University of Toledo. I was studying anthropology, which has a variety of fields and opportunities. I did not have a clear idea of where I wanted to go in my studies: cultural, business, archaeology, forensics? The list goes on! 

One day I went to a presentation by the wife of my professor, a woman that would soon become a very dear friend and mentor to me. She spoke of something I had never heard of before: native plants. I was immediately captivated by the story she told. For weeks I could not stop thinking about this topic.

I saw a problem in our society that every citizen could take part in resolving: restoration through native landscaping. My own campus was overrun with invasives, but it never occurred to me to mind or even ask what kind of trees had been planted. I approached my anthropology club with the idea of creating a native plant garden- the idea was greatly accepted and with the help of Drs. Eileen and Seamus Metress we created a native plant garden on our campus. Although the other students had lost the enthusiasm for maintaining the garden as the days went on, I never did. In the semester to come the space functioned as a living classroom for a variety of courses. 

If I had not gone to that presentation I do not know who I would be today, but I probably would not be pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Studies. I thank them for giving my life direction and meaning.

Food Security

Community food security is a condition in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice.

–Mike Hamm and Anne Bellows

We can talk about how gardens are good for your physical health, emotional well-being, and the natural environment forever- but what makes gardening truly crucial to our sustainability? How does a garden play into our economy or our society?

Community gardens provide a network of community members one can rely on- for information, advice, friendship, and assistance with the physical labor. When you grow your own food (or food for others) it is important to recognize your new level of food security.

If I asked you where your food comes from would your answer entail more than just the "grocery store"? Hopefully, yes- but understanding our food system is no easy task! It is very difficult to obtain intimate details about how and where food was grown, processed, packaged and eventually made available to the public.

Food security speaks to our survival and sustainability. It allows community members to acquire food that will help satisfy their basic nutritional needs and simultaneous lessens our dependence on larger institutions and businesses to supply us with good year round.

According to the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC Website) there are six basic principles of community food security:

1. Low Income Needs- reducing hunger and improving the health of local individuals/communities;

1. Broad Goals- focus on local rural and urban degradation of land, water, air and overall health (i.e. urban sprawl, pollution, lack of family owned farms and poverty);

1. Community Focus- reinforce community resources via community efforts; 

1. Self-Reliance/Empowerment- creating capable individuals; build up community assets; 

1. Local Agriculture- create stronger ties and relationships between consumers and farmers, as well as farmers and markets; 

1. Systems-Oriented- holistic, interdisciplinary collaborations on projects and evaluations of communities 

OU Ecohouse Community Garden (photo by: Markie Miller)

For a direct link to these six basic principles, please click here.

A small backyard garden could be a powerful tool that helps us move to a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether it is a community garden or not, it can be utilized in building networks and relationships within a community or given area. I would like to share a story about my garden at home, back in Toledo. A few years ago my father was starting up his own vegetable garden. Newly retired, he had found an activity that not only provided for his family, but kept him physically active and happy. We had harvested more cucumbers than our family of 4 could consume. My parents spent their entire weekend slicing cucumbers and making refrigerator pickles. Our freezer was now overloaded with zucchini bread (which is never a bad thing!) and the fridge had been invaded with jar after jar of cucumbers and banana peppers! Overwhelmed with the amount of produce we had stocked up on in only a short weekend we decided to send a few jars across the street to our elderly new neighbors. We did not know much about them, but those jars had opened the doors. A few days later, we received a beautiful hand written thank you letter. Not only did the woman that lived there want to thank us for sharing our personal harvest; she also wanted to thank us for reminding her of her childhood when her mother and her grandmother would spend many summer nights canning cucumbers to make (what seemed like) an endless supply of refrigerator pickles! She was overwhelmed with memories- just be seeing a jar of homemade pickles!

This was a touching experience that has stayed with me every year when I'm preparing to plant something. It humanized these strangers that we lived next to. They went from being strangers to family friends practically over night- without even speaking to us face-to-face. Every year she makes a plate of Christmas cookies for her grandchildren, and saves a plate for us as well!

Since the start of his vegetable garden, my father now shares gardening tips and produce with other neighbors. He has been able to communicate with neighbors that live two or three blocks away who share a common interest. Not only do we now have fresh, organic produce readily available, but also a network of neighbors to rely on when we need help.

If you are a student, like me, you might not have a yard or space provided to grow your own food. Luckily, OU provides one for you! The Ecohouse has beds available over the summer to those who want them. You can contact me for more information! The Athens Farmers Market provides community members with locally grown products and a network of farmers and entrepreneurs who are excited to not only share their knowledge, but also learn from their environment.

Community Food Initiative (CFI) has a donation station (can be found at the farmers market) which allows individuals to donate cash or produce that they bought on site at the Farmers Market. I am excited to learn more about local opportunities and organizations similar to CFI! They have a very impressive and interesting organization. I encourage Athens residents to check out their website here!

I have provided here a VERY brief view of overview of food security. There is a vast amount of literature on this topic and many organizations and grassroots initiatives that work to promote this idea. I encourage you not only as residents of Athens, Ohio, but as ecological citizens to familiarize yourself with this concept (among others relating to sustainability).  

Sustainable Suburbs: Living in Concert with Nature

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

  ~Native American Proverb

What a powerful statement! Sustainability is by no means a new topic. It has been a buzzword in the political and social realms since the 1970’s. Looking at our economic standards and priorities today, how far have we really come? Climate change is happening and leaving its mark all around the globe. I can remember the eerie feeling last winter when my hometown in southeast Michigan received practically no snow for the entire season.  Many students were relieved by this phenomenon! No dangerous driving conditions, no layer upon layer of sweaters and heavy winter coats, or depressing gray days to keep us indoors. Sounds pretty great, right?

Native Garden at the University of Toledo

The truth is that our environment- especially in Southeast Ohio- depends on those cold winter months. Beneficial prairie wildflower seeds need a certain amount of consecutively cold days in order to germinate in the spring. The key to a beautiful spring is a successful winter.

Not everyone has a direct voice in what goes on in the global- or even national- economy, but that doesn't mean we cannot make a difference. The starting point is right outside your window! Local communities can be very powerful players in evolving the nation’s understanding and importance of sustainability.

Evaluate your outdoor space:

Do you have a large and luxurious lawn? Think about all the synthetic chemicals in the fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides- you do this to protect your lawn- but you really just endanger your family, your pets, your neighbors, nearby waterways and beneficial wildlife.

It is time for the American culture to reevaluate their love affair with these green deserts. Every year we throw needless amounts of money, labor and time into protecting these barren patches of green. Your lawn has great potential to be a metropolis of plant and animal biodiversity!

   Tiger-Swallowtail Caterpillar 

Using native plants in your landscaping will attract pollinators! Birds, bees and bats will help your garden flourish. Pesticides are not species specific. This means that they will attack whatever creature they come in contact with: butterflies, skippers, grasshoppers, ladybugs, katydids, caterpillars, ants, spiders, praying mantises- the list goes on!

Unwanted pests serve, more often than not, as food to birds, bats and other predatory insects. If you create a space for them to thrive, they will act as protectors of your vegetable garden in return. Let nature work for you- don’t try to control it. A garden is a very powerful tool that we often take for granted. 

Praying Mantis trying to hitch a ride!

Compost! Composting can be a great way to reduce food waste, enrich your garden without artificial or synthetic chemicals, and get the community involved. Composting can be done through community efforts- get together with your neighbors and share all the benefits. Those who garden can use the final product while others can reduce the food waste in their homes. This will help build an overall sense of community and pride while contributing to the annual harvest of local foods. Initiatives such as this can lead to community recycling and community gardens.

Growing some of your own vegetables, maintaining a native garden and reducing your chemical impact on the planet are all noble, courageous and somewhat laborious tasks, but individual efforts may not be enough. Make it your personal goal to tell at least five people about sustainability each year and what steps we can all take towards a sustainable future. Ask them to do the same. And remember, the best way to lead is by example!

All photographs were taken by Markie Miller 

Ecohouse Events

I'm happy to announce some upcoming events that will present OU students with an opportunity to get involved with the Office of Sustainability! 

Service Learning Events:

Tuesday September 25, 2012 (3:00-5:00pm); Wednesday September 26, 2012 (2:30-5:30pm)

 

*Canning/Preserving Food: staff will be present to demonstrate how to harvest, prepare and preserve food! The food preserved will be used for a community meal on November 16 of this year! 

*Location: Ecohouse Community Garden (behind the ridges on Dairy Lane)

Ecohouse Garden Work Day:

Wednesday October 3, 2012 (12:00-3:00)

 This is the area that needs our attention!

*Landscape Work Day: This will be the first garden work day of the semester! Our goal is to clear out all the weeds and grasses that have been left to grow freely- some may be native, but we would like to renovate the area and create a seating area for students to enjoy, as well as add native flora that will attract pollinators! Come ready to work! E-mail Markie with questions about this event: mm633111@ohio.edu

*Please dress appropriately for this event: for your safety no open toes or exposed feet please! Wear work clothes, but avoid inappropriate language or images- thank you!

Pumpkin Canning:

October 25, 2012 (Noon-5:00pm)

Location: Ecohouse

*Pumpkin Canning: Get into the Halloween and harvest spirit with the Office of Sustainability! Staff will be present to demonstrate how to harvest, prepare and  preserve food! The food preserved will be used for a community meal on November 16 of this year!

Let us know if you have any questions about these events or other issues!

Check us out on Facebook

  Office of Sustainability

Ecohouse Garden Contact

Markie Miller

mm633111@ohio.edu

Winterize Your Garden

Autumn is just around the corner, but the garden work doesn’t end yet! It is very important (and beneficial) to take time to winterize your garden beds after a long growing season. Plants take up nutrients from the soil- leaving it depleted and infertile. Some plants put nutrients back into the soil, but winterizing your garden is a simple and effective way of replenishing your soil.

There are many benefits to winterization: less weeds in the spring, retains moisture in the soil, uses up the resources already on your lawn (i.e. dead leaves), less preparation of the soil required in the spring.

I would like to take the time to note that I have editied this blog post after a conversation I had with someone more knolwedgable than me. His advice was greatly appreciated- It is wonderful to know that I have so many resources and avenues for information around me!

Before you begin to cover your beds you have to remove any leftover debris from the previous growing season. Most people choose to chop up the old leaves and stalks from their vegetable garden and compost the plant remains.

First, assess the plants. Does it show signs of disease that may be harmful? If something looks questionable and you’re unsure, it is probably best to just throw out the plant in a securely tied bag. Precautions like these may seem extreme, but are very important in order to prevent the disease from being passed on within your garden or elsewhere.

You will want to remove any seed heads/pods before you compost/mulch the leftovers. If you are not careful you might provide the perfect habitat for unwanted or unexpected plants in your garden or compost pile. This probably will not harm your garden beds directly, but it may cause more work for you in the spring as well as draw from the nutrients in your compost pile. Save yourself the hassle, dispose of the seeds properly (in securely tied garbage bag).

Did you grow any nightshade plants? These include (but are not limited to): tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers (all kinds). Although I found various opinions online, some people prefer to not compost the leaves, stems and roots of these plants. Nightshade crops have edible fruits (tomatoes, eggplants...), however many consider the foliage to be toxic. Most gardeners stay on the safe side and do not include such plants in their compost and winterization ritual; however, the uneaten fruit can of course be composted.

Now the bed is clear of vegetation. The next step comes with a choice: turning the soil. Many choose not to disturb the soil for the fear of stirring up dormant weeds. The weeds will probably not turn up until next spring, but it’s the gardeners choice. If you do decide to turn the soil, use a rototiller, shovel, rake (maybe even your hands)- whatever you fancy- and turn about 6 inches into the soil.

Leave the soil as is and add anywhere from 2-4 inches of organic compost and mulch- this can be dead leaves, old plant remnants and homemade compost (food waste), straw or tree bark. Cover the bed completely. Add some water. Autumn rains will help flush nutrients deeper into the soil and these organic materials will continue to break down over the winter. Moisture will be locked in during cold, so there is no need to water the area regularly.

That’s it! The task of winterization may appear daunting at first, but it will benefit you and your garden in the long run. Sustaining this valuable plot of land ensures you a healthy environment  to harvest vegetables next spring/summer.

Good luck!

The Ecohouse at OU will be winterizing it's community garden soon! If you would like to be involved on this project then please don't hesitate to contact me! mm633111@ohio.edu

Welcome!

Hello Athens!

Let me start by telling you a little bit about me: I'm a first year graduate student studying Environmental Studies at Ohio University. I did my undergraduate work in Anthropology and I have a profound respect for native prairie plants. I'm new to the Athens area and hope to become better acquainted with the community and the natural plant life through this e-environment.

In this blog I will be highlighting various garden ideas/topics, what is happening at the Ecohouse, and discussing issues of sustainability. If you have any questions, feel free to use this blog as a forum for discussion.

My objectives with this blog are:

-To provide students, instructors, and community members at Ohio University and in Athens, Ohio with an array of information on natural and sustainable gardening, area events, and newsworthy current events surrounding sustainability;

-To provide an online meeting place for individuals interested in Athens horticulture and sustainability. This blog will create a friendly and open environment for discussion where individuals can engage in garden-related issues as well as topics of environmental viability;

-To create a sense of place and sense of pride for the community members through gardening;

-To promote sustainability in all forms: personal well-being, environmental integrity and community.

I've used the term 'sustainability' quite a few times already. Society has struggled not only to implement sustainability, but also to define it. The Office of Sustainability at OU uses this definition:

The ability to meet the needs of today's society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We must appropriately utilize resources and advance our own knowledge in all disciplines in order to contribute to the success of future generations.

The Office of Sustainability is here to help you make proactive sustainable choices in your life. We view sustainability on three levels: People, Planet and Prosperity.What does this mean?

We need to take action towards protecting our planet and its resources, but we have to consider our our personal needs in terms of health and well-being. It's important to start at the community level. As the well-known saying goes, "think globally, act locally." Our economy plays a crucial role in how we value our resource consumption and management. This holistic approach to sustainability allows us to look beyond environmental conservation and get people thinking about how they can move toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

I hope I've intrigued your interest in sustainability! For more information on Sustainability at Ohio University, please visit the Office of Sustainability website: OU Office of Sustainability

For more information on the Ecohouse, please visit OU Ecohouse

Good luck students! Remember to keep sustainability in mind as you prepare yourselves mind, body and soul for whatever path you take after college.

I look forward to getting to know the community better and learning together how we can make change happen!

Markie Miller
mm633111@ohio.edu