Capstone Student Gets Hands-on
October 29, 2019
Miranda, who is getting her degree in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies, just completed her 
capstone/final project by installing a vertical garden at La Posada. Miranda submitted an application to the UNM Green Fund and was approved to purchase all the building materials and plants for the project. She also received permission from the manager at La Posada to install the garden and assistance from Facilities Management Grounds and Landscaping to irrigate the plants. Miranda planted cold-hardy plants including: carrots, chives, pansies, peas, kohlrabi, Swiss chard, cauliflower, collards, and Brussel sprouts.
In her Green Fund application, Miranda wrote - “Gardens have environmental, social, and economical benefits. The environmental benefits of gardens are directly related to the benefits of plants. Plants act as natural filters, removing pollutants from the atmosphere, water, and soil in an environment. In the process of filtering out these pollutants, the plants improve the air quality. For this project specifically, use of edible plants and herbs in the garden can add quality to the dining hall. Another environmental benefit of gardens is an increase in biodiversity. The implementation of living walls and gardens in urban environments helps to mitigate habitat loss/fragmentation. Additionally, the implementation of gardens in an urban environment creates a space for social interaction. Green roofs and gardens can serve as community hubs, increasing social interaction and engagement within a community.” #UNM
For more information about the UNM Green Fund, go to http://sustainability.unm.edu/climate-change/green-fund.html
-UNM Sustainability Facebook
