Introduction: In the heart of Tacoma, Washington, The Evergreen State College is embarking on an innovative project to revolutionize sustainable agriculture and education. The Hydroponics Lab, a brainchild of collaboration between The Tacoma Evergreen State College, and Garden of Eden LLC, aims to introduce a cutting-edge approach to urban farming, providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainable practices.

CCAS Student-Staff Intern Vanessa Doveno (Class of ’24) in Fall Quarter took an individual learning contract to examine community engagement and aspects of sustainable design with a focus on urban agriculture and redeveloping the beloved Tacoma Outdoor Community Garden with grant funding. In Winter Quarter, she stepped into the additional role of project manager and student-lead for the Hydroponics, and expanded recruitment for the garden. Keep an eye out for future updates from her work!

Sowing the Seeds of Change: The project’s roots delve deep into a 4 year dream. Spearheaded by Michael Twiggs, CEO of Garden of Eden LLC, the initiative proposes the development of an indoor hydroponics lab at the Tacoma campus. This garden serves a dual purpose: producing fresh, locally grown food and serving as a laboratory for students to explore the intricacies of urban farming. The community garden also hopes to be a space in which  community members of all ages can  be involved in in educational programs.

Phase 1: Indoor Gardening: The inaugural phase focuses on the establishment of an indoor hydroponic garden, utilizing advanced techniques for cultivating leafy green vegetables and microgreens. Students will actively engage in learning about indoor growing techniques, experimenting with alternative crops, and understanding the dynamics of a sustainable urban indoor gardening business. The curriculum spans science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture, embodying a comprehensive “STEAM” approach.

Phase 2: Teacher Training: As the project takes root, future phases envision training leads in hydroponic gardening programs at elementary and secondary levels. This not only expands the project’s impact but also aligns with the broader mission of fostering education and community engagement.

Phase 3: Sustainable Living Institute: Looking ahead, the project aspires to evolve into a Sustainable Living Institute, fostering research, innovation, and community development through sustainable practices. This visionary step aligns with a commitment to addressing broader environmental and societal challenges.

Funding the Future: To realize these aspirations, the project sought support from the Clean Energy Committee. A proposal was submitted Dec. 4th 2023, outlining the funding required for the Hydroponics Lab’s Phase 2 implementation, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, educational enrichment, and community engagement.

Community Involvement and Training: The engagement of students, faculty, and the wider community is integral to the project. Student workers will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the lab, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the its success. Regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars aim to spread awareness and knowledge about hydroponics, promoting a culture of sustainable practices.

Cultivating Success: With a meticulous timeline in place, including deep cleaning, orientation, and safety training, the project is set to take off at the beginning of the Winter quarter. As the hydroponic garden begins to flourish, it symbolizes not just the growth of plants but also the cultivation of sustainability, knowledge, and community at Tacoma campus.

Conclusion: While still in the development and “growing” phase, the Hydroponics Lab can be a beacon of sustainable innovation, education, and community engagement. As the project unfolds, it promises to cultivate not only fresh produce but also a future generation passionate about sustainable living and environmental stewardship. This initiative embodies the college’s commitment to holistic education and its role as a catalyst for positive change in the community and beyond.

To follow more on either the hydroponics lab development, or the community garden you can follow these links below: