Effecting Change Capstone: The Learning gardens laboratory
"Beyond national security, we need to ensure food security, particularly among our most vulnerable populations. We are striving to build resilience into our local food systems during these uncertain times. The sustainable agriculture and educational activities at the PSU Learning Gardens Laboratory are more vital than ever."
https://www.pdx.edu/education/lgl
Background & History
The Learning Gardens Laboratory was established in 2005, and is a partnership between Portland State University, Portland Public Schools, Portland Parks and Recreation, and Oregon State University Extension Service. The garden is 12 acres located in the neighborhood of Brentwood in Southeast Portland, Oregon. The Learning Gardens Lab is a community-based education with a focus on providing folks with a hands-on and practical learning tool: the garden. Through garden-based education and outreach, this site serves Lane Middle School students, PSU students, SUN Program participants, Community Transition School students, OSU Extension Service’s beginning farmers and Master Gardeners, and more. The garden was originally a Dairy Farm in the 1950s. Additionally, for many years this site was known as the "Green Thumb", a high school horticulture training site.
About Me and my work
Hello! My name is Kassy Vazquez. I am a senior at Portland State University. I will graduate this week with a bachelor's in Social Science and a double minor in Child Youth and Family Studies and Psychology. I am passionate about sustainable food systems, gardening education, and family support.
This summer, I decided to work with LGL because the work LGL does is extraordinary. They provide hands on gardening skills and sustainable living skills, they host a community harvest share, they have numerous community events they host throughout the year. They also have a farm to table approach with the Lane Middle School Students. Working at the LGL has made me realize how much I love working in a community setting and how cool gardening is! I hope to continue working with them in the future. |
My Tasks at the garden
- Weeding
- Composting
- Cleaning garden beds
- Harvesting for Harvest share boxes
Reflection
The Learning Gardens Lab has given me a new perspective on gardening and has made me want to join a local community garden waitlist. I wish to use the skills I have learned this summer for my garden. I hope to continue working with LGL in the future if my schedule persists.