Mercer Times

It's a chilly and rainy weekend at the College of New Jersey, but students and faculty are hopeful about their recent efforts to plant native flora. The initiative aims to "rewild" the campus, enhancing biodiversity by introducing plants that attract insects and resist deer, which are overpopulated in the area.

Professor Miriam Shakow, who teaches cultural anthropology, is leading the project. She described it as part of a broader effort to transform the campus into a living laboratory. The planting took place near Green Hall on a small patch of land. "If anyone would like to plant some plants, come on over," Shakow encouraged participants.

The rewilding project involves planting species such as asters, mountain mints, black-eyed Susans, and irises. Graduate student Hanna Stutzman expressed enthusiasm for the community aspect of the event: "I'm really excited for when more people get here. That's when the planting party really starts."

Samantha Romito, an early childhood special education and psychology major, emphasized the environmental benefits: "Native plants kind of rebuild and bring native animals back." She noted how industrialization has impacted local ecosystems.

The event drew volunteers from various disciplines across campus. Shakow highlighted contributions from student volunteers in the environmental club and others who spontaneously joined or showed interest.

Romito found unexpected enjoyment in participating: "I didn't know how I would like it going into it, but it was such a blast." As they planted, she marked their progress with rocks to monitor growth over time.

The College of New Jersey's rewilding initiative marks just the beginning of its efforts to foster ecological sustainability on campus.