Members of Campus Environment and Operations and Residence Services have been hard at work since May to revive the Allerton Community Garden located behind the Allerton Apartment Complex. They are now reaping the "fruits" of their efforts.

The garden was a collaborative effort between six members of Campus Environment and Operations and the residents of the Allerton Apartment Complex, says Grounds Supervisor Rebekkah Berryhill. Residents were given the opportunity to grow their own produce and flowers in exchange for helping Campus Environment and Operations maintain the garden.

"Creating a community garden at Kent State shows our progression toward becoming a more sustainable campus," Berryhill says. "The garden also provides an opportunity for Allerton residents and Campus Environment and Operations employees to interact and work together on a green initiative."

At the end-of-summer harvest, the garden yielded more than 200 pounds of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots and cucumbers. The residents enjoyed the bountiful harvest, and yet were still able to donate 40 percent of the produce to local families in need through food programs.

Berryhill's project was enthusiastically supported by her supervisors as well. "It was clear from the onset Bekkah's enthusiasm would win over any skeptics and encourage people to donate time to such a good cause," says Heather White, manager of the Grounds Department.

"She had the complete support of the Grounds Department to help this garden be successful."

Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, carrots and broccoli will be harvested from the garden near the end of November, Berryhill says. All surplus vegetables will be donated to local families and charities in need at that time as well.

"The Allerton Community Garden is a great first step towards sustainability," Berryhill says. "I'd love to see a larger-scale garden on campus in the future."

For more information about the Allerton Community Garden, contact Berryhill at rberryhi@kent.edu.

By Brittany Macchiarola