UMSL Community Garden

Currently, one community garden exists on campus, which was created as joint endeavor between the UMSL Sustainability department and the Environmental Adventure Organization in the Spring of 2015. The UMSL Community Garden is open to all students and staff who are interested (and everyone in the UMSL Green Team!) and we will make every effort to accommodate all potential gardeners.

Although we have 14 raised beds, it may not be enough for individual gardeners to have their own separate bed. In that case, gardeners will be asked to share garden bed plots and form a "team” or group of people to share the responsibility for each garden bed.

How to Participate:

In the past, student groups and various departments have sowed fresh seeds, weeded & watered the garden beds, and installed other features, like rain gardens, nest boxes, children's gardens, and other interesting landscape infrastructure.

Join UMSL Sustainability on TritonConnect if you'd like to volunteer in the community garden or to sign up for events!

  

Embracing Biodiversity and Native Gardening 

Biodiversity is at the heart of sustainable gardening. By incorporating a variety of native plants and trees, our landscapes not only thrive but also provide crucial habitats for local wildlife. Native gardens are designed to reflect the local ecosystem, using plants that have adapted over time to the region’s climate and soil conditions. This creates a resilient garden ecosystem that requires less maintenance, reduces water usage, and supports pollinators and beneficial insects. 

Resources for Native Gardening

Student-Led Biodiversity Projects

UMSL Sustainability staff and students successfully lead native gardening sessions, invasive species removal, and tree planting events on campus, to regenerate native landscape through the integration of community engagement and hands-on gardening experiences.

  

Key Benefits of Native Gardening:

  • Enhanced Wildlife Habitats: Native plants attract local birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
  • Sustainable Water Use: Adapted to local climates, native species often require less water.
  • Low Maintenance: Reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides compared to non-native species.
  • Soil Health: Native plants promote a balanced ecosystem, leading to healthier soil over time.