June 5—Though the campus garden is just one of the elements of Black Hills State University's sustainability efforts, come harvest season its bounty is utilized in the campus dining facility.
Located right next to the campus apartment complex, volunteers made up of students, faculty and members of the community started planting May 22 and they have about 60% of the planting complete. To make sure the garden is properly maintained, volunteers will continue to work in the garden throughout the growing season.
This is the university's third growing season, and the program is funded in part by a South Dakota State University Extension grant. The produce is grown organically and ranges from tomatoes, squash and peas to carrots, cucumbers and onions. The garden, which is 70 feet by 100 feet, creates a lot of work and volunteers are always needed.