Spring cleaning began Thursday and Friday at The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with the help of approximately 45 University students.
“We have a full-time staff of two, so I can’t overstate the impact of our volunteers,” said Jane Drake, director of The Gardens at SIUE. “Volunteer hours really transform what we do.” The Gardens at SIUE is a 35-acre public botanical garden on SIUE’s campus. The park is recognized by the Missouri Botanical Garden as a Signature Garden. Dan Mueller is the park supervisor.
Spring cleaning at The Gardens began with cutting back the warm season grasses. Over the winter months, tall grass was left uncut for wild life habitation and aesthetics, according to Drake.
Volunteers began cutting the vegetation back by hand. The Gardens has more than 25,000 square feet of manicured garden beds that has overgrown foliage.
On Friday, students and volunteers planted an assortment of tulips along the eastern portion of the bicycle trail beside the newly installed lights. They also raked sweet gum balls and picked up sticks and debris to clear the lawn area in the park, Drake said.
“It’s nice to contribute my time to better our SIUE campus,” said Stephanie Lee, a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering with 22 volunteer hours this year. “The Gardens is such a great place.”
Lee also said she regularly comes to The Gardens to run and enjoy the park. Lee was grouped with Tim Hatch, a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering; and Lawrence Leible, an Edwardsville resident who works at Nature’s Scape in Collinsville.
Hatch, who has 18 volunteer hours, likes working outdoors. “I also like making a visible contribution to campus,” he said. “By helping at The Gardens, you can see what you did to help out.”
“The students not only transform The Gardens,” Drake said, “but they also build community. To have these students helping like they are shows their ownership and pride with The Gardens.”
The spring cleanup at The Gardens was sponsored by the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, according to Sarah Laux, assistant director for Civic Engagement and coordinator of Volunteer Projects.
The Gardens at SIUE comprises existing woodlands, a pond, grasslands and an arboretum on a lush and rolling 35-acre site. The Gardens is a living laboratory dedicated to supporting the educational and research mission of the University. Environmental sustainability, conservation and stewardship are cornerstones of The Gardens’ vision, providing a unique opportunity to research, implement and demonstrate innovative green technologies. Gardens, facilities and amenities feature renewable, recycled and sustainably produced materials.
The mission of The Gardens at SIUE is to create a venue of beauty and distinction that will support the educational and research components of the University; that will engage the public in educational opportunity and campus life; and that will provide a haven for relaxation and enjoyment for all.
Photo Information:
Ashley Sanders, a senior majoring in speech communication, and Kevin Wade, a sophomore majoring in accounting, dig holes to plant tulips
Stephanie Lee, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, plants tulips.
Volunteers rake up gum balls at The Gardens