UC’s community garden is getting a fresh lease on life thanks to UC X-Crew volunteers. Student Volunteer Coordinator Farizma Shawkat stopped by UCFM to talk to The Wrap Up host Ben how the space is being transformed into a welcoming, hands‑on hub for the campus community.
Meeting every Thursday morning near the UCX student lounge, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to weed, learn from an on‑site gardener, and slowly revive the garden bed by bed, while also enjoying the therapeutic benefits of getting outdoors and working with their hands. From Earth Day activities like rock painting and garden bingo to harvesting celery, kale, herbs and Asian greens for the UC food pantry, the garden is already giving back to students who need it most.
More than just growing food, the project is creating a “third space” on campus where students and staff can connect, slow down, and feel part of something tangible, and everyone’s welcome to get involved.
Listen to the full interview with Farizma Shawkat below to hear more about the garden, X-Crew, and how you can join in.
