Barney’s Learning Garden to Spring Into Action

Photos by Sabrina Kuhlmann

Spring has sprung, and with the warmer weather, Mt. Hood Community College prepares to welcome its newest community project to the Gresham campus: Barney’s Learning Garden.

Last fall, Mt. Hood welcomed new employee Steve Herff to oversee the expansion of Barney’s Pantry, which supplies food and other personal items to students. This Spring Term, he plans to welcome a new addition to the grounds. He has acquired space behind the Fisheries building and greenhouses – near the Stark Street campus entrance – to cultivate a small garden in which to grow a variety of fresh produce to include in the Pantry’s food boxes (and provide to staff in the campus cafeteria once it reopens).

While so far only garlic has been planted and is sprouting, it is clear that spring has brought forth an abundance of life in the garden area. Cup fungus and dandelions dot the garden beds and the surrounding area, and Herff’s ideas to expand the space similarly can’t be contained.

On Friday, April 26, he will be working in tandem with MHCC’s groundskeepers and a small group of volunteers to install a new irrigation system to provide plenty of water to all garden beds. He will begin clearing out plant debris, weeds, and any obstacles that may impede garden growth. Already he has put considerable effort into things such as ensuring wheelchair accessibility, gifting garden space, and offering a considerable amount of seeds to students last week in a seed exchange event.

Herff has spent months planning for the launch of the garden and excitement is clear in his voice as he invites anyone wishing to volunteer to jump in. He especially encourages students with Federal Work Study hours to join him at 11 a.m. on the 26th behind the Fisheries building.

Going forward, the Learning Garden will depend on volunteers and students to help keep it up and running. Herff is extending private garden bed space to those willing to volunteer their time and energy to keeping the project afloat. Such space can be used to grow herbs, produce and flowers of the giftee’s choice.

Those interested in volunteering may reach Herff at [email protected] or visit him directly inside the Student Union. He also seeks volunteers to assist in the Barney’s Pantry physical expansion, expected soon.