Student gardens grow beyond west side of University of Iowa campus

From the Hawkeye commuter lots to the heart of campus, student gardens are spreading.
Monday, October 2, 2023

By Charlotte Brookins 

Student-operated gardens are expanding to the east side of the UI campus.  

The first garden was created in 2009 as a learning resource for Hawkeyes, and a method to demonstrate safe and sustainable food and lifestyle practices. Over the past five years, discussions have been held between the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, Student Life and Landscape Services with students involved in the organization DIRT, or Determined Gardeners Incorporating Radical Farming at the University of Iowa. 

Student gardens at the University of Iowa.

Stratis Giannakorous, director of the UI Office of Sustainability and the Environment, which is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, says students desired a more centrally located garden beyond the Hawkeye Commuter Lot on the outskirts of campus.  

“Having a footprint of a big garden in the middle of campus is challenging, so we found a workable solution with modular, smaller gardens,” he explains.  

The garden units can be found spread across the east side of campus, with one location at North Hall and two more outside the Chemistry Building. These three locations are the starting point with a goal to eventually create more miniature gardens allowing for increased accessibility.  

Esmee Belzer, fourth-year student double majoring in chemistry and statistics, is the current co-president of DIRT. She has been heavily involved with the expansion project.  

“I am so proud to have been a part of such an interesting, thought-provoking initiative which will bring substantial awareness to campus regarding sustainability, food sovereignty, and involvement in the local food system,” Belzer says.  

The large gardens on the west side will remain, but the smaller east side locations will be used for engagement and education. Those passing by can pick the produce while learning about the environment and what it looks like to garden in an urban landscape.  

To learn more about the student gardens and its mission, visit the Office of Sustainability website.  

Student gardens at the University of Iowa
Student gardens at the University of Iowa
Student gardens at the University of Iowa.
Student gardens at the University of Iowa.
Student gardens at the University of Iowa.
Student gardens at the University of Iowa.
Student gardens at the University of Iowa.

The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers about 70 majors across the humanities; fine, performing and literary arts; natural and mathematical sciences; social and behavioral sciences; and communication disciplines. About 15,000 undergraduate and nearly 2,000 graduate students study each year in the college’s 37 departments, led by faculty at the forefront of teaching and research in their disciplines. The college teaches all Iowa undergraduates through the college's general education program, CLAS CORE. About 80 percent of all Iowa undergraduates begin their academic journey in CLAS. The college confers about 60 percent of the university's bachelor's degrees each academic year.