L.I.O.N.S. Garden

The Lion's Garden is an on-campus garden run by students working with the Green LMU division of LMU facilities management. We encourage community participation in the garden, whether that be during open work hours (when anyone can come work in communal plots) or if your campus organization is interested in reserving a raised bed for your own projects! Because we are all-organic and no artificial fertilizers or pesticides are used, the crops we grow are safe for human consumption.

The LIONS Garden features 15 planting beds, many of which are "adopted" out by departments and/or student organizations, who are responsible for maintaining their own beds while adhering to Green LMU's "organic only and pesticide-free" requirements. The garden also features recycling, compost, and landfill bins, a relaxation area under a gazebo, and benches, making the area a place where LMU students can relax, connect with nature, and hang out.

Vision Statement

The vision of the LIONS Garden is to connect the mission of Loyola Marymount University to social and environmental justice by addressing issues such as hunger and nutrition through urban gardening. By utilizing bio-intensive gardening methods that maximize crop yields, the LIONS Garden strives to demonstrate how to grow the most nutritious foods possible within a minimal amount of space. The LIONS Garden also grows native plants that promote biodiversity and attract pollinators.

Why?

In addition to acting as a resource for those interested in growing food to donate, we aim to be a local source of sustainable produce for everyone on campus. College campuses can act as invisible food deserts, with few fresh produce options available and limiting food costs. Though LMU has taken steps to combat this problem with our on-campus food pantry, we hope this garden will allow more students the opportunity to grow organic produce for themselves.

The Encouragement of Learning

Through community engagement, the LIONS garden encourages lifelong learning. The garden is an ideal location for curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities for LMU students and the community.

Education of the Whole Person

The LIONS Garden educates the whole person by making connections between the mind, body, and spirit around growing food and restoring landscapes with native plants as well as encouraging reflection.

The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice

By connecting with LMU Campus Ministry and developing programs to feed hungry people, the LIONS Garden strives to promote social and environmental justice through community service and education.