As the leaves begin to change and the air becomes crisp, the College of Charleston Graduate School is thrilled to invite you to our Fall 2024 Garden Volunteer Days! This semester, we’re offering exciting opportunities for you to get involved, whether you prefer the energy of our downtown garden or the tranquility of the Stono Preserve Student Gardens.
Downtown Garden Workdays
Our Downtown Garden Workdays are back, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and dig into another season of growth! Each workday will focus on a different theme, from planting and harvesting to sustainable garden practices. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, there’s something for everyone.
Workday Dates:
- September 11th
- October 2nd
- October 23rd
- November 13th
Locations and specific themes will be announced a week before each event via email and on our Instagram @cofc_studentgarden. Be sure to follow us for updates!
Meet Our Downtown Garden Team:
- Marchant Harris: Downtown Garden Lead, EVSS/MPA second-year student with a passion for coastal maritime forest management and land preservation.
- Becky Tarbox: Downtown Garden Intern, enthusiastic about sustainable practices and community engagement.
- Madi Blanton: Downtown Garden Intern, dedicated to promoting environmental education and sustainable food systems.
New This Semester – Stono Preserve Volunteer & Team Building Events
We’re excited to introduce a new opportunity this fall! The Stono Preserve Student Gardens, a 5-acre garden managed by students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (EVSS) program, is now offering personalized volunteer, workshop, and team-building events. Perfect for student organizations, public organizations, and College of Charleston departments, these events provide a unique setting to engage in hands-on activities that contribute to sustainable agriculture and community food systems.
Customize your event to include activities such as planting, harvesting, garden building/maintenance, beekeeping, and more. Additionally, we offer guided tours of the gardens and Stono Preserve, where you can learn about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the natural beauty of the preserve.
Link to request an event: Event Request Form
Meet Our Stono Garden Team:
- Dylan McGuire: Stono Garden Manager, EVSS/MPA second-year student, passionate about microbiomes, food systems, and giving incredible tours of the preserve.
- Becca Chastain: Stono Garden Assistant, EVSS first-year student from the University of Kentucky, eager to dive into beekeeping and support volunteer events.
- Marchant Harris: Stono Garden Assistant, also serving as our Downtown Garden Lead, bringing her expertise in land conservation to the preserve.
- Mikayla Milford: Stono Garden Consultant, EVSS student in her final semester, focusing on oyster farm management and engagement, with a rich history of dedication to our gardens.
Why Get Involved?
Volunteering with our gardens is more than just a way to give back to the community; it’s an opportunity to learn firsthand about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and holistic land management. Our garden spaces, supported by the graduate program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, offer experiential education that spans from soil sciences to business development. By participating, you’ll be part of a community effort to promote sustainable practices and healthy food systems for the College of Charleston and the wider Charleston region.
Mission of the Sustainable Agriculture Program
Our Sustainable Agriculture Program is dedicated to supporting experiential education, research, and food production using sustainable Lowcountry gardening practices. These practices are not only vital to the health of our environment but also serve as a learning platform for students to gain practical skills in agriculture, gardening, beekeeping, food systems, and land management. By fostering a sense of ownership in these spaces, we encourage students to grow both mentally and physically while making a tangible impact on their community.
Join Us This Fall!
We can’t wait to see you in the gardens this semester, whether downtown or at Stono Preserve. Your participation makes a significant difference, and we’re excited to cultivate something special together. Share these opportunities with your network, and let’s work together to grow a sustainable future!
For more updates and to stay connected, follow us on Instagram @cofc_studentgarden.
See you in the garden!
