Students walking past Monroe Hall may have noticed a new feature: a small garden labeled “Monroe Edible Patch.” This garden, planted by Forest Patches, is part of a student-led initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions across campus. It is the latest addition to a series of green spaces created by the group, which focuses on planting diverse, nature-based patches in urban environments.
Forest Patches is part of the University of Virginia’s Decarbonization Academy, a summer program designed to help students contribute to the University’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Leah Germain, a fourth-year College student, and Madeline Morphis, a fourth-year Architecture student, are among the academy fellows behind the project. Their idea for creating forest patches emerged in the summer of 2023 during the program.
The Academy fellows work closely with faculty and staff mentors to complete a hands-on project aimed at reducing the University’s environmental footprint. Along with Olivia Vargo, a Class of 2024 alumna, and Tim Beatley, an Urban and Environmental Planning professor, Germain and Morphis researched nature-based solutions to absorb carbon dioxide and decrease carbon emissions on Grounds.
The edible patch outside Monroe Hall differs from the other Forest Patches on campus in that it is not built using the “Miyawaki method,” a technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This method involves densely planting native trees to replicate natural forests on a smaller scale, helping the area become self-sustaining and accelerate growth. The edible patch, however, was designed with safety and accessibility in mind due to its proximity to high foot traffic and the lack of fencing.
Helen Wilson, the University’s Senior Landscape Architect, and Rich Hopkins, Associate Director of Grounds, helped implement the plan by surveying Grounds for the best planting locations. They focused on areas that would not interfere with future redevelopment projects or underground utilities, ensuring the plants could thrive. In addition to the Monroe edible patch, Forest Patches has created green spaces at Scott Stadium, Carr’s Hill, Meadow Creek, Observatory Hill, and Hereford Residential College.
For the edible patch, Wilson and her team selected low-growing plants such as elderberries, blueberries, and strawberries. These plants not only fit the area’s aesthetic but also avoid obstructing light or creating hiding spots in high-traffic spaces.
“The smaller edible patch serves more of an ornamental purpose, with less environmental impact than a traditional forest patch,” Wilson explained. “However, it still provides benefits for local wildlife, including birds.”
Forest Patches focuses on planting native plants, which are more resilient to climate change, require less maintenance, and use water more efficiently than non-native species. The project also relies on student volunteers for planting and maintenance. Germain noted that volunteer turnout for planting days can range from 40 to 90 students, depending on the size of the patch. In previous events, like the one at Carr’s Hill, nearly 100 students helped plant 500 trees in just one hour.
The first Forest Patch was planted at Scott Stadium and is now over a year old. Wilson emphasized that the first few years are critical for the success of each patch, as early plant loss can impact the long-term viability of the project.
“We’ve already seen some plants die off in the first year, so it’s important that students focus on maintenance to ensure the patches thrive,” she said.
Looking ahead, Forest Patches plans to expand, with efforts to create more patches both on Grounds and in the larger Charlottesville area. Teachers at Virginia L. Murray Elementary School in Albemarle County have already contacted the group to help establish their own Miyawaki forest. In addition, the team is exploring the possibility of creating internship programs to further engage students and continue the initiative.
Though Germain and Morphis will graduate in the spring, they are committed to ensuring the sustainability of the project. “We want to see the patches succeed and continue expanding, even after we leave,” Morphis said.
With new patches in the works and a growing community of supporters, Forest Patches hopes to leave a lasting impact on the University and beyond.
Related topics: