Written by: Alaina Perez
Photos from: Michigan School of Engineering
In June, BLUELab Metro, a Michigan Engineering-based student organization focused on sustainable and equitable design, held its first “build day” at the Willow Run Acres Clay Hill community farm and garden.
A Ginsberg partner for several years, BLUELab Metro is a subteam of BLUELab, which focuses on projects in and around Ann Arbor, and aims to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for students navigating the socially engaged design process. Through the Ginsberg Center’s matchmaking process, students were partnered with Willow Run Acres (WRA) on two collaborative projects, one centered on smart irrigation and the other on solar power.
The student organization, with support from the Ginsberg Center, applied for and was awarded $10,000 in funding from the Davis Projects for Peace Grant for the irrigation portion of the project. The students and their community partner decided to use the money to purchase materials for setting up a basic irrigation system at Clay Hill in order to reduce the physical demands of maintaining the farm.
Stewards of Growth
UM Students were motivated to make the irrigation process easier for WRA’s founder, TC. Instead of hand-watering his property, a very time and labor-intensive process, the students hope the new irrigation system will alleviate some of that stress. This way, they can spend more time and energy devoted to other efforts related to WRA and the greater Superior Township community they serve.
Students, including Marina Campoy-LoVasco and Rachel Patyi, refer to this phase of the work as "Prototype Zero.” It is a starting point and the groundwork for a larger, long-term system. They ultimately intend to automate the irrigation system and collect data on the crops that are grown. “The data we collect paired with TC's already vast knowledge and intuition about different types of plants will allow him to make informed decisions regarding what plants he wants to grow at WRA and how to best take care of them,” they shared.
Sustainable Partnerships in Practice
When asked about their relationship with their community partner, WRA, students involved with BLUELab Metro explained how their partnership was formed and supported by following the Center for Socially Engaged Design’s (CSED) approach. By prioritizing creative solutions and reflective practices, students learned how to generate more than a standalone product: “To facilitate this, we had weekly meetings with TC to check that our plans met his vision for WRA both in the present and in the long term. During our build days, he helps us set up the drip line and teaches us about all the different plants he is growing.”
Their collaboration extends beyond the technical. Students also take part in WRA’s existing volunteer events, making “seed biscuits” to help spread local plant varieties throughout Washtenaw County and beyond. A WRA x BLUELab Expo brought students, neighbors and volunteers together through shared food and activities, deepening their community ties beyond their worksite. Students plan to continue these efforts to further strengthen ties to the WRA community.
Get Involved!
If students are interested in joining BLUELab Metro, they are recruiting new members for the upcoming school year at Festifall on both Central and North campuses!
If you are interested in supporting the team in another way, please reach out to project managers, Marina Campoy-LoVasco ([email protected]), Clara Liao ([email protected]), or the new Co-Leads Atlas Fracasso ([email protected] and Addie Henkel ([email protected]).
Whether through hands-on building experience or volunteer efforts, BLUELab metro students develop and grow as stewards of social change, leading the charge for equitable and sustainable design practices here on campus and in our local communities.
Get Support for your organization
If your student organization is looking for support, the Ginsberg Center provides matchmaking services to pair your organization with the perfect community partner, offer guidance on grant proposal writing, provide advising and consulting services, and design and facilitate trainings and workshops.
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Learn more here
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For questions, complete our Support Request Form or conact us at [email protected]