A Blossoming Aspect on Campus: The Orchard Club
by Viveca Stucke
The nature of online classes has resulted in a lack of awareness regarding a new aspect on campus: Nature at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s).
The Orchard Club at 4C’s has been thriving despite the roadblock of Covid affecting their initial execution. Their new addition has strengthened the environment on campus and was brought about through a desire to implement a new aspect of positive values.
“The inspiration was fueled by a deteriorating planet;” said Club Advisor and Professor Keli Gates, “the fact that many do not know how to grow food, tend soil, or take care of land- all this and much more, led to the formulation of our Orchard and the club.” By implementing strong values within their club, they are able to build an environment--physically and mentally--which solidifies their mission. By furthering their connection to nature through a relationship with their core beliefs, The Orchard Club is able to solidify their intentions.
“The Orchard Club impacts the campus not just by the physical labor of planting the trees,” said club President Savannah O’Brien, “but also by working to put the ‘community’ back in ‘community college’. We have only a few rules, bring a positive attitude, show respect to each other, and be kind to Mother Earth.” O’Brien emphasizes the club’s inclusivity. Some students may feel like an outlier, or as if they don’t fit in. Clubs can help students find their niche.
“Orchard Club was founded on three pillars that I fully believe are important to consider with every goal we create and project we plan.” Said O’Brien, “These pillars are sustainability, community, and legacy. From the very beginning since the club was first founded last year, we have started off every meeting by reintroducing these principles, as well as acknowledging that our club is dedicated to sustaining and flourishing life.”
Through the incorporation of these ideals into their projects, it strengthens their success and institutes an aspect of value into everything they do. Their current goals are based on a foundation of community, and their strong integration of passion into their work reinforces their mission.
“We want to build raised beds for food, create perennial gardens, have places to sit and enjoy the orchard, and eventually create a place where people can gather, be together, and enjoy nature.” added Gates.
The club is not able to do this solely through the application of principles, but through an understanding of the need for co-operation. By introducing an element of teamwork, the Orchard Club is able to efficiently strengthen their projects.
“Our club is entirely dependent on teamwork to make things happen. When we are working on a project, we try to divide up the tasks so that we are all helping each other, and no one gets overwhelmed.” O’Brien said, “Different people have different strengths, but when we work together, we can excel in all areas.”
This method to achieve their goals have proven to be successful, as they have already begun completing their projects and reaching for new heights.
In the spring of 2021, the Orchard Club planted eighteen trees on the 4C’s campus. “We currently have peaches, pears, and plums and are still planning to add to the harvest.” Said O’Brien, “We also had a successful week of fun and educational events over zoom last year at our first official Earth Week.”
The Orchard Club is not concluding their work on campus yet and has big goals for the upcoming year. They have developed a strong presence on campus, and they, as well as their trees, are blossoming. The club plans to further their mission and continues to set new goals to reach.
“Our current project is getting some raised garden beds built at the orchard site so we can begin to plant some vegetable gardens. Garlic and onions this fall, and then in the spring, things like lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables will be grown in the raised beds.” added O’Brien. The produce that the Orchard Club will be growing is going to be used to benefit the community. It will either be a donation to the food pantry, or be given out to students for their own use. “We are also currently working on putting together a Farmer’s Market/Craft Fair that will be open to the community and will be a chance for us to bring people to actually see the orchard.” Said O’Brien.
Pictured from left to right: Max Kennedy, Josh Mahoney, Savannah O'Brien, Colleen Ellis
The Orchard Club not only wishes to grow their garden, but have big plans to grow their impact on campus and further their provision of benefits to the environment. If you wish to join Orchard Club, or have any questions, reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]
Categories: Clubs, Around Campus, Student Life