Scraping of ASU Tempe Arboretum & SS Herb Gardens
It's been brought to my attention that Facilities Grounds Services plans to scrape the ASU Arboretum Herb Garden and the Social Science Garden programming. I find this very concerning. These gardens provide the ASU community (especially students) a valuable place to learn to garden in the desert, connect with nature, and experience natural aromatherapy. It can be especially beneficial to their mental health, particularly for the international students who can find plants and scents and flavors from home like garlic chives, mint, and Holy Basil. Leafy greens are being grown there for the Pitchfork Pantry. Once again, this could be a huge mental (and physical) health boost for students in need who may not get to have much-needed nutrients from fresh, organic food very often, if at all. Places like these could also be used to provide a soothing atmosphere and activity for specific student communities like veterans, and a place to learn for agribusiness, sustainability/food systems, or biology students. I've put this in the "Other" category, but it could just as easily fall under "Sustainability," which is an ASU core value. Please don't get rid of these small corners of campus that provide such a good benefit to so many people, especially vulnerable populations.
Resolution/Notes
Thank you for sharing this concern. This has been shared with the appropriate stakeholders and they are considering options to retain the gardens at the Tempe campus.