Native Landscapes: Phase I – York Farm

Amount Awarded: $367.20 

Academic Year: 2022-2023 

Implementation: May 2023

Full Application: Link

Categories: Campus and Community Engagement

This grant was part of a larger project aimed at replacing underutilized lawn space on campus with diverse selections of native plants in 2024. Phase I of the project was to plant a small test plot at the York Community Farm, which is currently managed by WWU's Center for Community Learning (CCL). CCL is currently establishing York Farm as a community garden that centers shared learning and community connection. This plot allows the student team to gain experience in planting, managing student volunteers for regular watering, and recording success metrics. They planted Pacific Bleeding Heart, Camas, and Evergreen Huckleberry, all native plants, in one of the farm’s raised beds. These plants were chosen to showcase examples of edible native plants (like camas) and to increase pollinator support. The plot also allowed the team to reach the wider Bellingham community and educate visitors about their larger plan on Western’s campus. 

This project will serve as an educational opportunity for the greater Western community by modeling sustainable landscapes that will include signs with QR codes linked to an educational webpage on the Sustainability Engagement Institute’s website.