In our modern, fast-paced, technology-driven world, spaces that help us reconnect with nature, community, sustainability, and hands-on learning experiences are more important—and more sought after—than ever before. One such space is the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s (UA Little Rock) Campus Garden.
Established in 2012 through a collective effort by UA Little Rock’s Sustainability Club, as well as the Anthropology and Biology clubs and programs, the garden is much more than a collection of plants and crops. It has become a “living laboratory” and a hub for the campus community. The garden has been built and maintained through collaborative efforts among students, faculty, and local partners such as the Pulaski County Conservation District and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. UA Little Rock’s Campus Garden reflects a campus- and community-wide commitment to sustainability, education, and food security in Little Rock.
At the heart of this initiative is the Campus Garden Alliance (CGA), founded in 2016 with the goal of uniting students who are passionate about gardening and sustainability. Today, it plays a pivotal role in supporting the Campus Garden and enhancing student life by organizing annual campus and community engagement events, while also fostering leadership development and service opportunities at UA Little Rock.
What makes the UA Little Rock Campus Garden a truly special initiative is its interdisciplinary nature. Students from biology, anthropology, and environmental science programs—along with volunteers from across campus and the broader community—come together to grow and maintain the garden, “observing and maintaining native plants, collecting seeds and cuttings, and propagating new plants for use in other gardens and landscapes.” The garden serves not only as a gathering space, but also as a dynamic, real-world classroom experience.
A standout feature of the Campus Garden is its Compost Program, modeled after the Centennial Garden at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This program, in collaboration with Potluck Food Rescue, incorporates local food waste—such as food scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, and expired plants—into its composting process. In doing so, it diverts waste from landfills while enriching the garden’s soil.
The UA Little Rock Campus Garden also plays a vital role in promoting urban agriculture. It demonstrates that agriculture doesn’t require vast acres of rural farmland; in fact, gardening can thrive in the heart of a major city. Through volunteer workdays, farm stands, and partnerships with local organizations, participants gain practical skills in sustainable farming, food preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Equally important is the Campus Garden’s connection to the broader Little Rock community. The Campus Garden provides opportunities for engagement, education, and access to fresh produce, reinforcing the idea that universities can serve as catalysts for impact in their local communities.
The work of the UA Little Rock Campus Garden reminds us that growth isn’t just about what we harvest—it’s about what we learn, share, and build together as a community.
Interested in becoming involved? Students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to connect with the Campus Garden Alliance to learn more about volunteer opportunities, events, and hands-on learning experiences.
This article is part of the Engage Arkansas 2026 Civic Challenge. The Civic Challenge focuses on one vital impact area affecting Arkansans statewide each month. In March, Engage Arkansas highlighted the importance of Service Learning & AmeriCorps. To learn more about Engage Arkansas, visit EngageArkansas.org.
Axton Tackett, March 2026
