Meijer Campus creates pumpkin patch

Students, faculty and staff members at the Meijer Campus in Holland are keeping an eye out for the great pumpkin, with the help of about 30 Holland kids.

The campus hosted a pumpkin seed planting party May 29 for youth from the Heights of Hope, a nonprofit community development organization in Holland.

Lisa Miller, director of the Meijer Campus, said the campus Green Team wanted to partner with Heights of Hope to provide young children in the neighborhood an opportunity to learn about gardening, composting and sustainability. The team is comprised of students, faculty and staff members who are dedicated to sustainable practices on campus.

Grand Valley’s Sustainable Community Development Initiative awarded the campus’ Green Team a grant to purchase seeds and other supplies. Miller said the pumpkin patch aligns closely with the campus’ sustainability values.

We Care Lawn Care donated the cost of the top soil and tilling the land for the 25-foot by 25-foot pumpkin patch.

Events are planned throughout the summer to invite Heights of Hope children back to campus before harvesting their pumpkins in the fall.

Read more about Green Team initiatives in a Grand Valley Magazine article, click here.