On June 10, 2024, EcoAlpha members, mainly teens, came together to volunteer at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Sensory Garden. This event was part of EcoAlpha’s goal to help the community and take care of the environment. It gave young members a chance to learn, help out, and make a difference.

Activities

The volunteers did important garden tasks, like mulching and weeding. Mulching means putting a layer of mulch around the plants. This layer helps the soil keep water, makes the soil healthier, and stops weeds from growing too much. By doing this, the members learned how mulch helps plants grow better.

Weeding was another important job. The young volunteers pulled out unwanted plants and weeds from the garden beds. This made the garden look nicer and gave the good plants more space and nutrients to grow. The weeding task taught the members why it’s important to keep a garden free from harmful plants.

Impact and Learning

For the young EcoAlpha members, this hands-on experience was both fun and educational. They learned about different types of plants, how to take care of a garden, and why it’s important to keep a garden healthy. The practical skills they gained will be useful for future community service activities and personal gardening projects. The members also learned about teamwork and the value of working together for a common goal, which made them feel proud and responsible.

Community Engagement

This event showed how important it is to work together to take care of public spaces. By volunteering at the Sensory Garden, EcoAlpha members supported the Arboretum's mission to connect people with nature and provide a welcoming environment for all visitors. The volunteers’ efforts helped keep this place beautiful and enjoyable for everyone. The Arboretum staff were very impressed by their hard work and dedication. They commented, "With your help, we were able to add compost to a large area of our Sensory Garden. Cecelia was impressed with the hard work and enthusiasm of the group." This event showcased the positive impact of community service and encouraged future collaborations between EcoAlpha and the Arboretum.