By Lisa Hook, OU Writer

A group of students dedicated to enhancing the natural surroundings on campus have come up with a creative way to carry out the College of Arts and Sciences Celebrating the Liberal Arts Environmental Explorations theme. The Garden Project, to be designed and created by Students Promoting Interest in Nature (SPIN), will consist of soothing and stimulating gardens that will be planted between Hannah Hall and the Science and Engineering Building (SEB).

The Garden Project will feature lively butterfly and hummingbird gardens along with a relaxing aromatherapy garden. The peaceful surroundings will enable nature lovers to enjoy the soothing sounds and scents of nature. The gardens will be joined by a stone trail, which will lead to a patio where students and faculty can take solace or meet with friends and enjoy the scenery. SPIN is hoping to gain approval to install a mural on the walls overlooking SEB and Hannah Hall.

Opposite the gardens near Dodge Hall, SPIN will create a rain garden utilizing bioremediation techniques. The students have received guidance from Donna Folland, director of the Oakland Conservancy, in selecting appropriate soils, plants and flowers for the garden.

“We thought this would be a good project to enhance the artistic character of OU,” said Jessica Henry, SPIN president. Funds permitting, the group hopes to add benches, tables and a stone pond to the serene setting.

Installation of the garden is targeted for mid-April, when OU will be celebrating Earth Month.

SPIN is asking alumni, faculty and students for assistance with the project, through donations of time or money. You may mail contributions to the Center for Student Activities, 49 Oakland Center, Rochester, MI 48309-4401.

The initiative is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences with support from the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.

For more information or to volunteer, call Jessica Henry at (248) 877-6777 or visit the SPIN Web site.