Emily H's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Cultivating Sustainability: Exploring the Impact of Community Gardens in Tucson on Environmental and Social Well-Being BASIS Advisor: Amy E. Smith Internship Location: Community Gardens of Tucson Onsite Mentor: Executive Director

Project Abstract

Community gardens serve as educational spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can learn practical skills and connect with their environment. My senior project focuses on sustainable gardening practices and their impact on local communities. The problem lies in the increasing disconnection between people and their food sources, contributing to environmental degradation and food insecurity. Community gardens provide an opportunity to address these challenges by encouraging sustainable practices, promoting food security, and strengthening community ties. My research will address the urgent need for sustainable solutions in agriculture while promoting environmental awareness. By exploring the relationship of sustainable gardening and community engagement, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of how small-scale, local efforts can combat global environmental challenges. My site placement will be with the Community Gardens of Tucson. This organization is ideal because it emphasizes local, sustainable practices and provides a platform for community education. I will help with daily tasks such as composting and cleaning up the gardens, which have been neglected due to the summer heat. Data collection will include observations of sustainable gardening practices, community interactions, and environmental conditions, as well as an analysis of educational materials like newsletters and pamphlets. Findings will be analyzed to identify recurring themes and compared with a literature review to assess how Tucson's practices align with sustainable gardening principles. I hope to discover how sustainable gardening methods can be tailored to local environments and inspire others to adopt these practices.