Community Guidelines

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Green Campus Initiative at TU Graz Garden Usage and Community Guidelines.

Introduction

Green Campus is a student led initiative urban garden on the grounds of TU Graz and officially operates under the HTU Graz (HochschülerInnenschaft; TU eqiuvalent to ÖH) under the GIN Referat (Gesellschaft, Innovation, Nachhaltigkeit). The Green Campus is dedicated to convey crop/plant growing wisdom to the general public and to create awareness in the areas of urban sustainability, climate resilience, and the harmonious interaction between Society, Technology, and Nature. Our garden is a public space open for everyone to enjoy and participate in. These guidelines outline our values, objectives, and expectations for all participants.

Objectives

• Education and Communication: We aim to educate and share knowledge about sustainable urban living and climate resilience. We want to help people understand how to live more harmoniously with nature and technology in a city environment.
• Biodiversity Enrichment: Our goal is to enhance the variety of plants and animals in our garden by taking care of our resources and implementing permaculture practices. This means we want to create a more diverse and balanced ecosystem within our urban space.
• Climate Change Mitigation: We want to educate about methods that can help reduce the impact of climate change at a local level. This involves finding innovative ways to make our garden and the university more environmentally friendly.

Membership

• Inclusivity: Green Campus welcomes students enrolled at a University in Graz who share our passion for urban gardening/sustainability. We believe in open participation and encourage diversity in our garden community.
• Responsibility: All members, regardless of their university affiliation, are responsible for their actions within the garden and are expected to follow our guidelines to maintain a harmonious and sustainable community. We encourage parents to supervise their children in the garden, ensuring their safety and respect for the environment and fellow participants. Pets like dogs are welcome at Green Campus, however, their owners need to be aware of their full responsibility for the safety of the general public, that gardening areas remain undisturbed and their commitment to remove litter of their pets.

Access

• Paperwork: Reading and accepting our community guidelines and the code of conduct, signing the "Nutzungsrichtlinien" and having an introductory meeting with an official Green Campus member is a requirement for garden usage/resource usage privileges.
• Resource Usage: Access to garden beds and tools is a privilege and can be revoked if any guidelines and in the mentioned paperwork are not followed.
• Physical Access: Since the garden is located on university premises, physical access is managed by the university. There are no fees to use the garden, but resource usage is restricted.

Sustainable Practices

• Plant Diversity: The Green Campus tries to promote plant diversity in their gardening areas. This includes choosing varieties of plant species that complement each other, for example in companion planting, to create a balanced ecosystem also to reduce the need for chemical interventions.
• Crop Rotation: Implement crop rotation practices to maintain soil health and prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases. Rotate different plant families in your garden bed seasonally to ensure the soil remains fertile.
• Wiki Documentation: In order to provide a low level point of entry to our community and to ensure that information on the project doesn't get lost over time keep the Wiki up to date. If you want an account write into the Green Campus signal group and an administrator will reach out to you.
• Native and Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Select native plant species whenever possible to support local ecosystems. Incorporate pollinator-friendly plants to attract beneficial insects and enhance biodiversity in the garden.
• Natural Pest Control: Explore and adopt natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, using organic pest repellents, or practicing companion planting to deter pests. Avoid the excessive use of chemical pesticides to protect the environment and beneficial insects.
• Soil Health: Regularly assess and improve soil health by adding organic matter, such as compost and mulch, to your garden bed. Healthy soil leads to healthier plants and a more sustainable garden.
• Sharing Knowledge: Share your experiences and knowledge about successful crop and soil management practices with fellow gardeners. Communication and collaboration within the community enhance our collective understanding and gardening skills.

Resource Sharing

• Shared Tools: Garden tools are available for shared use and are conveniently stored in the shed. To access these tools, simply request permission. The shed is secured with a pin lock. The code to open this lock should only be shared with members of the Green Campus.
• Personal Tools: You are welcome to leave your own gardening tools in the shed. However, please make sure to clearly mark them with your name. Any unmarked tools in the shed are considered community property and can be used by others.
• Tools on University Grounds: Keep in mind that all tools from the shed should not leave the university grounds. This ensures that our shared resources remain accessible to everyone within our community. Your cooperation is essential for maintaining a well-equipped and sustainable garden.
• Damage to Tools/other Green Campus property: In case of accidental damage to tools or other Green Campus property, please immediately inform the leading members to ensure prompt replacement of essential items. Deliberate destruction of property, however, is met with consequences decided by the other members.
• The wiki as a tool: We value transparency and open knowledge. For that reason we opted for a public wiki where everyone can keep track of the whole Green Campus project. Further, the idea is to provide an easy point of entry to those with little or no technical experience or privileged in group knowledge. In order for this to work the Green Campus Community maintains the wiki as a community and keeps it up to date.

Community Building

• Participation Requirement: Active participation is at the heart of Green Campus. To maintain access to the garden, participants are encouraged to attend at least one Green Campus event each season. Your engagement helps foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for our garden's well-being.
• "Betreuer" System: The "Betreuer" System should be another way to foster community and shared responsibility. Each "Betreuer" is appointed for a whole year in which they should organize one gardening day dealing with season related general tasks in the garden and potentially an additional theme. The "Betreuer" has great freedom in how to organize these events, however, it is encouraged to also involve social aspects like sharing food or drinks. Also, each "Betreuer" is responsible for an outdoor gardening related section (for example the "Homebase") of Green Campus. In this section, it is the responsibility of the "Betreuer" to make other members aware of issues like littering and the general deterioration of these area by neglect and to organize with the other members to relieve these issues. The list of "Betreuer" and the dates of the gardening days are defined elsewhere.
• Collaborative Workshops: Consider contributing to our community by organizing or participating in collaborative workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. Share your expertise, whether it's about gardening, sustainable practices, or related topics. By hosting or attending workshops, you contribute to our collective learning and growth.
• Knowledge Exchange: The diversity of our community is a valuable resource. Engage in conversations and knowledge exchange with fellow gardeners. Share your insights and learn from others to enhance your gardening skills and understanding of sustainability.
• Mentoring and Support: As experienced gardeners, consider mentoring newcomers or offering assistance to those who need it. Sharing your knowledge and guidance helps newcomers integrate smoothly into our community and pick up gardening as a rewarding hobby.
• Shared Resources: Beyond the garden, consider collaborating on other sustainability initiatives or community projects. Let's work together to make a positive impact within our university and the surrounding area.
• External Resources: We also have access to valuable external resources, such as the Zentralgartenbüro, which provides a wealth of knowledge and additional resources for gardening and sustainability. Explore these external resources to expand your understanding and skills.

Harvest and Food Distribution

• Responsible Harvesting: Gardeners are responsible for harvesting their own beds. When your crops are ready to be harvested, please pick them in a timely manner to ensure their optimal freshness and quality.
• Assistance and Sharing: If you find that you cannot manage your garden bed or have excess produce, we encourage you to seek assistance from fellow gardeners. Collaboration and sharing within our community are key principles. You can also consider contributing your surplus produce to the Green Campus community for redistribution.
• Minimize Waste: Help reduce food waste by harvesting only what you can reasonably consume or share. By minimizing waste, we promote sustainability and responsible resource usage within our garden.

Waste Reduction

• Plastic Discouragement: We strongly discourage the use of plastics within the garden. Please refrain from using plastic materials or containers. Opt for environmentally friendly, organic, and compostable alternatives for all garden-related materials.
• Compostable Materials: Utilize only materials that are organic and compostable. This includes using compostable plant pots, natural fiber twine, and biodegradable materials for mulch and weed control. By doing so, we reduce waste and support our garden's sustainability.
• Responsible Disposal: Properly dispose of any non-compostable waste generated in the garden in designated receptacles. Let's ensure our garden remains clean, green, and free from harmful waste materials.

Member interactions

• Respectful Awareness: Occasionally, incidents may occur where garden produce goes missing or is inadvertently disturbed. We understand that these situations can happen unintentionally. Please be aware of the shared nature of our garden and respect each other's contributions. Please do not help yourself to other members produce without consent.
• Communication: If you notice any unusual or unexpected changes in the garden, we encourage you to communicate openly with fellow participants. Sharing observations and concerns helps us maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all. Together, we can find amicable solutions to any issues that may arise.
• Community Support: In the spirit of community, we ask that you look out for one another. If you come across any concerning incidents or have information that could help resolve a situation, please share it with the Green Campus coordinators. We believe in a supportive and understanding community where issues are addressed through cooperation and dialogue.

University Rules

• Permanent Structures: As we are situated on university grounds, it's important to adhere to the university's guidelines regarding the use of the space. This includes respecting the university's policy of always asking for consent by "Gebäude und Technik" before building permanent structures or tree planting within the Green Campus area.
• Responsibility and Selfmanagement: We agreed with Gebäude und Technik to keep the Green Campus areas in shape ourself while they support us with access to their gardeners if needed (see contact information). Gebäude und Technik expects us to self-manage with the provided resources. This includes moving the lawn at only the "Permakulturfläche" and weeding areas like the Secret garden, "Wildblumenwiese" and "Biodiversitätsfläche".
• Open Dialogue: We believe in open dialogue and constructive communication. In case of misunderstandings with Gebäude und Technik we will work together to find amicable solutions and ensure our garden remains a vibrant and nurturing space. Green Campus and Gebäude und Technik will meet on a regular basis every few months to keep an open dialogue.

Feedback and Communication

• Open Dialogue: Your feedback is essential in helping us improve and grow as a community. We value open and respectful communication. If you have suggestions, concerns, or ideas, please don't hesitate to share them. We are here to listen.
• Contacting "Betreuer": To ensure that your feedback is heard and addressed promptly, we encourage you to contact our Green Campus coordinators, known as "Betreuer" They are here to assist you so feel free to reach out to them with any questions or feedback related to the garden.
• Regular Meetings: There is the possibility to hold community meetings within the gardening days to discuss matters related to the garden's management, improvement, and future initiatives. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to voice your opinions, propose changes, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow gardeners and coordinators.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: If you encounter challenges or conflicts within the community or face issues related to the garden, remember that we are here to support you. Together, we can work towards collaborative problem-solving and find solutions that benefit everyone.
• Continuous Improvement: Green Campus is an ever-evolving project, and your feedback plays a crucial role in our continuous improvement. Your ideas and insights contribute to a more inclusive, environmentally conscious, and enjoyable gardening experience for all members of our community.
• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Our community and garden are dynamic, and as we learn and grow together, our guidelines will evolve. We welcome suggestions, insights, and fresh ideas from all members. Your input helps us refine our practices, making Green Campus an even more inclusive, sustainable, and enjoyable space for everyone. Your commitment to our shared mission ensures that we remain resilient and adaptable in our pursuit of urban sustainability and climate resilience.

Bed Distribution

Bed Allocation

Garden beds are allocated newly each season to ensure that no bed stays neglected. Especially for new members, it is encouraged to take a shared bed in their first season in order to accustom to the Green Campus. Potential conflict regarding bed allocation should be discussed in the community in order to find a solution amenable to all. However, if no compromise is reached, the leading member can decide on this issue.

Bed Guardian System

Our Bed Guardian system forms the core of our community's commitment to sustainable gardening. When a participant is allocated a garden bed, they assume the role of a "Bed Guardian"="Hochbeetpatenschaft" for a season. Each season, the list of "Bed Guardians" should be published in the Green Campus Wiki. As a Bed Guardian, you become the steward of your specific garden bed. Your responsibilities include nurturing the plants, maintaining the soil, and ensuring the bed's overall health and appearance. Aside individual Bed Guardians, there are also Beds with shared responsibilities in the Homebase. The individuals responsible for these shared beds is also newly determined every season.

The Bed Guardian system fosters a strong sense of ownership and responsibility within our community. It allows each participant to form a deep connection with their garden bed, nurturing it as they would a personal space. Regular checks will be conducted by our coordinators to offer guidance, support, and to ensure that beds are well-maintained.

This system encourages not only active participation but also the development of gardening skills and a profound connection to the principles of sustainability and biodiversity. It exemplifies our commitment to nurturing both our garden and our community members.

Problem Resolution

In the event that a bed appears to be neglected or requires attention, we uphold our commitment to constructive problem-solving and community support. Any community member who notices a neglected bed is encouraged to report it to the Green Campus coordinators.

Upon receiving such reports, our coordinators will promptly investigate and reach out to the responsible Bed Guardian to offer assistance, guidance, and support. Our aim is to ensure that every bed receives the care and attention it deserves.

If, despite these efforts, neglect continues over an extended period, the Green Campus community may consider reallocation to a more committed participant. We believe in the value of open communication and collective decision-making to address such situations, always striving to find solutions that best serve the interests of our garden and community.

By adhering to these evolving guidelines, we aim to foster a thriving community of urban gardeners dedicated to sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement within the Green Campus initiative at TU Graz. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for our campus and the surrounding community while adapting to the preferences of our members.