On the hill above Lot L and Sigma Hall is Biola’s Organic Garden, 1/7 of an acre of the 95-acre campus. Despite tours of the garden and a fundraiser taking place during this year’s Creation Stewardship Week, many students know little about all the garden contributes to Biola’s environmental efforts.

Established in 2009 by Jason Tresser, assistant professor of biology, the organic garden has been producing consumable produce for three years.

“I have always loved gardening, and I just thought it would be a good way to spend time with students outside of class, appreciating God's creation,” Tresser said. “I really didn't imagine it would become as elaborate as it has.”

With 11 students working regularly in various capacities ranging from research projects to community service, there are many aspects involved in this natural production.

SCRAPS TO COMPOST

One of the many attributes the garden boasts is its ability to utilize resources that Biola already offers. For example, the garden prevents hundreds of pounds of waste from ending up in landfills by using scraps from the Caf to fuel its many compost piles. This natural method of creating soil brings about more nutrients and enables the plants in the garden to grow healthier.

In addition, the garden gives the food it produces back to the community, according to Tresser.

“We give most of the food to Bon Appétit for consumption in the Caf or food truck, but we give a good portion of the food to the food bank at Grace [Evangelical] Free Church,” Tresser said.

Additionally, the garden serves as a platform for science majors to conduct research on the material they are learning. According to Brendon Anthony, a senior environmental science major and the garden manager, there are five research students managing projects involving compost, aquaponics, native flowers, seed germination and fish breeding. Anthony himself is actively participating in research with a project involving strawberry plants. 

A PRACTICAL RESOURCE

“The garden is a very practical resource in aiding myself in gaining experience so that I may be more effective in the passions that I choose to seek out in my career,” Anthony said.

Even for students not currently conducting research, there are still opportunities to get involved with the garden.

“Dozens of students come out for our garden work days periodically throughout the semester,” Tresser said.
 
Extra credit was even offered for the students who put time into the garden.

“I really enjoyed working in the garden because it gave me an opportunity to put class and papers and tests aside and just focus on one thing,” said freshman biology major Fernanda Garcia-Olivares.

One of several long term goals Tresser has for the garden is for it to eventually spread all over campus, such as the project beginning shortly that involves planting citrus trees on the grassy hill in front of Emerson.