Sustainability garden given new location

A new location for sustainability garden was approved unanimously by the Campus Landscape Planning Committee.

The garden was proposed by lecturer Sharon Roy to beautify the campus and integrate agriculture into the school of business.

The committee agreed to split the garden between the southeast corner of Hyland Hall and north of the Roseman Building. The proposed vegetable garden would be located near Roseman and any herbs, flowers or other plants near Hyland.

"Basically, as someone who loves their job and does not get involved with the politics on this campus, it has not been an enjoyable experience," Roy said. "I understand there are rules and regulations and I think without the students entering into the picture, things would have happened a lot differently."

Roy, who has spearheaded the project, faced heavy opposition from the committee on the garden that she admittedly said was "prepared in a hurry."

Despite said lack of planning, the garden received tremendous support from community members and students, including Whitewater Student Government. "[WSG] definitely supports this and we represent all students," speaker of the senate Sarah Herlache said.

Many were dubious about the role the garden would play in the curriculum, but the true debate was about the location and design of the garden. Aesthetic and ecological complications removed the possibility of having the entire garden near Hyland Hall.

Roy and members of WSG, SAGE and CEO originally agreed to support the garden in its initial proposed location, but all will continue to support the new location.

"I am pleased with the compromise that was made and I think that the vision of the initial grant can be preserved," Roy said. "This could not have happened without the students."