91ÌÒÉ«

Sources in theory

The lecture was led by mgr Paulina Jeziorek, who is a coordinator of the KOI Edible Garden at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. As an experienced activist and facilitator of social initiatives, the speaker introduced the participants to the concept of community gardens and their growing presence in Polish cities. During the meeting, participants learned about what a community garden actually is, its functions and why it is becoming an increasingly important element of the urban landscape.

The lecture also emphasised the significance of building a collective and leading grassroots initiatives, including those within higher education institutions, as an effective activist method for working towards degrowth and improving community well-being

– added Prof. Magdalena Cieślak, coordinator of the faculty's Earth Day celebrations.

The event participants also had an opportunity to learn about various community garden models, including those operating on university campuses, and the experiences of the KOI Edible Garden in Toruń.

Collaborative design of a community garden

Following the lectures, a workshop on planning a community garden at the 91ÌÒÉ« was held. This part of the workshop was led by Prof. Magdalena CieÅ›lak from the Institute of English Studies. Those who decided to participate worked in spontaneously formed groups, creating maps and concepts for the development of the future space.

The resulting projects, although very different, demonstrated the significant environmental awareness of our emerging garden community and are tangible proof that the 91ÌÒÉ« is a source of powerful green energy, which we want to utilise effectively

– adds the workshop leader.

The formation of a group of people ready to actively participate in the creation of the garden was one of the most important outcomes of the workshop. Although the project name has not yet been chosen, many inspiring proposals have emerged.

This is just the beginning!

Another meeting is planned for May. During the event the academic community will develop existing concepts and work on a shared map of the garden. Its final name will also be selected at that time. Moving from plans to action, i.e, the first fieldwork, will be the next step of the initiative.