When Dr. Teresa Bertossi (Geography and Philosophy) requested help at the Land Lab, students stepped up. Matthew Sperrazza (Environment, Sustainability, and Geography ’22), Maggie Salwei (Biology and Environment, Sustainability, and Geography ’22), Paxton Zirpel (Environment, Sustainability, and Geography; and International Studies ’22), and Mikayla Erickson (Environment, Sustainability, and Geography ‘20) formed the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Organization. The new 25+ member student-run organization is designed to get more students involved with not just the UMD Land Lab but the planet in general.
The organization uses the Land Lab to work on projects, test out new ideas, and teach sustainable and organic farming practices. Salwei pointed out, “Keeping bees at the Land Lab has been an amazing learning experience for our club members on how to take care of bees over the winter and the vital role pollinators play in our global food system.”
In February, the group held a two-day Valentine's Day plant sale fundraiser here on campus. While talking about the organization and welcoming students to join, they sold 100 succulents, and around 25 students made and donated Valentine’s Day cards.
Erikson reflected, “Running and managing the plant sale has been the most important event we’ve held since we are so new. We could not have held this event without the help of the Geography Department loaning us funds to buy the succulents to sell in the first place. With the raised money, we paid back the department and thanked them very kindly. Seeing smiling students walking around with their succulent and feeling the support from the faculty as a new group has made my organization experience extremely fulfilling.”
The plant sale was just the beginning, though. Prior to closures due to COVID-19, they were planning a Spring Festival to be held on March 21st at the Land Lab. Salwei noted, “We hope to have food, several workshops educating the public about pollinators, organic farming practices, composting, and kombucha making, and maybe some live local music. It is coming together nicely!”
While the Land Lab has benefitted from the group’s work, members have also benefitted from the organization’s creation. Erickson noted, “In addition to learning beekeeping skills, and how hard it is to maintain a hive throughout Minnesota winters, I have learned how to coordinate events, manage an organization with my peers, and navigate the Bulldog organization page. Working alongside my professors has also helped me gain knowledge about local organizations and resources.”
Group members encourage all interested students to join the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Student Organization. Zirpel declared, “There are so many possibilities at the Land Lab that anybody will be a great asset to the team!” and Salwei affirmed, “Different majors other than Environment, Sustainability, and Geography would help diversify our group even further!”