GARDEN
Commission Mission
ASUCI’s Garden Commission works in partnership with Arroyo Vista Housing and the Sustainability Resource Center (SRC) to support the “Ants In Your Plants” garden. Located in the heart of Arroyo Vista, we take pride in an organic approach to growing. Once our fresh produce is harvested, we often donate it to the Basic Needs Center in an effort to increase food accessibility.
Further, the Garden Commission is in collaboration with External Vice President Students Enacting Environmental Defense (SEED) campaign, American Indian Student Association (AISA), and indigenous groups such as the Kizh Nation on the establishment of the Kiháy (Sacred) Garden, located in the Middle Earth Housing Community. The purpose of the Kiháy Garden is to honor the indigenous roots of UC Irvine ’s natural landscape and provide an open space for indigenous-identifying students to utilize for recreational, social, cultural, and medicinal purposes.
Our mission is to introduce to the UC Irvine community the benefits of sustainability in a simple and fulfilling manner. We host weekly volunteer shifts and events to invite the UC Irvine community to maintain care of these productive spaces.
Goals:
1. Invite students and staff to participate in events revolving around sustainability and growing plants.
2. Maintain an urban farm style garden in Arroyo Vista to donate fresh produce to the Basic Needs Center’s Food Pantry.
3. Establish the Kiháy Garden with indigenous plants and indigenous people in mind.
Follow our planteater adventures and get updates on events and volunteer opportunities on Instagram @gardeningwithuci <3
MEET THE COMMISSIONERS
ELLA LEUS
Hello friends! My name is Ella Leus (she/her), and I’m a third-year Biological Sciences major on a pre-dental track. As your Garden Co-Commissioner, I look forward to collaborating with various philanthropic and sustainable organizations to nurture an educational and community-centered garden experience.
After my first volunteer shift at the Ants in Your Plants garden, I walked away with a smile, rewarded with a bag full of fresh snow peas. Serving as an intern during the past academic year, I discovered how rewarding it is to connect with the garden and create a better ecosystem. It’s heartwarming to see others get excited about growing, and I look forward to fostering more excitement around feeding our community.
GIA UY NGO
Hello every~nyan! My name is Gia Uy Ngo (he/him) (p.s. Put it into Vietnamese google translate for pronunciation). I am a second-year Environmental Engineering major. As one of you Garden Commissioners, you can expect action-packed, super-duper-uber educational opportunities! I am in charge of the up-and-coming indigenous garden!
I have a plethora of experience in designing and creating gardens. I hope to use this experience to create a space for students to come relax and soak in nature! During my first year as a Garden intern, I had a hoot of a time being able to teach our volunteers about all the interesting aspects of gardening. For this year, I hope to do the same!
Join IVP!
Advocate for student resources and support various communities at UC Irvine ! The Office of the Internal Vice President advocates for student resources on the administrative level and brings fun and engaging events for students to learn and engage with accessible resources. The office engages in various student resource topics, such as sustainability, student health and wellness, and community service, while also focusing on recruitment and advocating for communities such as international, commuter, and transfer students. Whether you’re interested in advocating for student resources or supporting these communities, there’s always a place for you in the IVP Office! Apply now!
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.