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BY THE NUMBERS

R’Garden

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ince its establishment in 2012, R’Garden has been providing UCR students and community members free, fresh produce and an opportunity to learn about social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Located on the UCR campus behind Lot 30, it is both a student resource center and community garden that provides education on local food systems and the importance of having access to fresh produce. R’Garden serves as a sustainability hub promoting community-based research, student-led projects, and collaborations with the campus and community. It also provides students with volunteer and internship opportunities and a range of workshops throughout the year. Here’s a closer look at R’Garden and its offerings:

acres, including roughly 6 acres of row crops, 1/2 acre of community plots, a greenhouse, and a 1-acre Valencia orange orchard, comprises the R’Garden. Its 40 community plots are available to UCR students and clubs, of which 90% are in use. The garden is currently managed and maintained by two full-time staff members, one California Climate Action Corps fellow, four Green Campus Action Plan interns, and eight College Corps fellows.

pounds of produce were harvested from the R’Garden in 2023. Over 5,000 pounds have so far been harvested this year. The garden is harvested daily by staff and students, except during transition periods between seasons.

varieties of crops are grown at the garden throughout the year. Winter crops, such as cauliflower, kale, lettuce, and broccoli, are grown October to February, and summer crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans, are grown the rest of the year.

of harvested produce goes to R’Pantry, which provides food, hygiene, and household care items to UCR undergraduate and graduate students experiencing food insecurity. The remainder of the produce is distributed to students directly from the R’Garden. As of April, roughly 300 students have picked up produce at the R’Garden during the spring quarter, receiving around 8.5 pounds of produce per student.

Return to UCR Magazine: Spring 2024