A group of student volunteers from Union Springs Central School District recently spent a rewarding day giving back to the community at the Auburn Community Garden.

On May 1, students traveled to the garden on Garrow Street in Auburn to help construct a new growing area using a sustainable gardening technique known as Hugelkultur. This method involves layering natural materials such as wood, fertilizer, lawn debris, and topsoil to create nutrient-rich planting beds.

The project began with logs of ash and cherry wood, cut into three-foot sections, which were used to form the base and outer structure of the garden mounds. Students then helped lay down cardboard and add fertilizer as part of the foundational layers. Topsoil will be added later to complete the beds.

In addition to building the new garden space, students also planted two trees in the park.

The Auburn Community Garden serves as both a shared gardening space and an outdoor classroom where children can learn about sustainability and farming practices. Anna Richter, who oversees the garden through Auburn Parks and Recreation, plans to use the site to offer educational programs focused on sustainable agriculture.

The field trip gave students a hands-on opportunity to support their community while learning about environmental stewardship and innovative gardening techniques.