A fun way for residents to "go green" March 17th Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2021 @ 9:13 AM For St. Patrick’s Day this year, students are encouraged to celebrate differently and “go green” with the UCF Arboretum. On March 17th, a plant sale will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arboretum Greenhouse located on the southeast side of the Harris Engineering Center (HEC) building. Students and staff can purchase a variety of plants like herbs, ferns, houseplants, carnivorous plants, succulents, and cacti. All plants are under $15 and only cash will be accepted. There will also be featured artist Sunburst Jewelry for purchase. Becoming a new plant parent this year and supporting an amazing campus resource? Sounds like a win-win. The Arboretum was established in 1983 to provide opportunities for students, staff, and visitors to explore and learn about plant life and other wonders of the natural lands. Its mission is to cultivate, celebrate, and communicate the value of plants, ecosystems, and biodiversity to human well-being. It provides such a fun learning environment and has amazing volunteer opportunities available for sign-up on Knight Connect. UCF Housing Marketing Assistant Hailey, a former Arboretum volunteer, shared “It was such an incredible opportunity to be in nature and learn how things grow and are tended to! During my time volunteering, I helped distribute mulches, cleaned up gardens, and learned about the different plants growing there and where they are distributed on campus. I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in nature. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable.” The Arboretum stretches over 800 acres of campus natural lands. These lands contribute to UCF’s academic, recreational and social programs. Every year, thousands of students and other community members take a break and explore the many nature trails they offer. The UCF greenhouse grows plants for distribution across campus landscapes, natural areas, and the volunteer-run community garden. This community garden engages hundreds of volunteers in thousands of volunteering hours every year. The garden produces an abundance of fresh vegetables, most of which are donated to the Knights Helping Knights Pantry. If you are interested in getting involved with the UCF Arboretum, click here for more information. No matter how our residents wish to celebrate this year, we hope everyone has a safe St. Patrick’s Day holiday. As always, please continue to follow UCF and CDC guidelines when celebrating. Go Knights and Charge on! Back