Sowing the seeds of sustainability

Approximately 75 members of the Northern Illinois University and DeKalb area community gathered for the groundbreaking and ceremonial planting of the first phase of the Communiversity Garden, which will include an international garden.

The university is providing a 22,000-square-foot area on the east side of Anderson Hall for the garden, and the beds are designed in the shape of a flower. Much of the produce harvested from DeKalb’s community gardens goes to area food pantries.

Dignitaries included DeKalb Mayor John Ray, NIU President Doug Baker, DeKalb County Board member Misty Haji-Sheikh and Dan Kenney, executive director of DeKalb County Community Gardens, among others.

Baker said this is just one of the ways the university can partner with community members to make DeKalb a “cool college town.”