PELLSTON — Head up the stairs outside the dining hall at The University of Michigan Biological Station and you’ll happen upon a hoop house, raised ground beds and a gardener devoted to sustainable food.
Her name is Iris but her favorite wild plant is Solomon’s seal.
“We are so lucky to have Solomon’s seal all over the Biological Station,” said Iris Arboreal, the U-M alumna leading the garden that produces food for the UMBS dining hall.
She sees the UMBS garden as a community space for growing food, coursework, experimentation, fun and relaxation.
A native of Bangor, Michigan, Arboreal graduated from U-M in April with a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology.
“This is my third season at the station,” Arboreal said. “I took classes here the last two summers and studied forest succession at the dunes on Sturgeon Bay. I adore living at the station, and I am so excited to be here for a whole summer.”
Arboreal is looking for volunteers and event ideas for the UMBS garden. On the white board outside the dining hall, she plans to post Weekly Volunteer Days, events, calls for help on big tasks and “veggie news.”
Arboreal grows lettuce, herbs, kale, chard, flax, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, flowers and more.
“I love learning about plants, spending time outdoors and eating fresh vegetables,” Arboreal said. “Kale and cabbage are some of my favorite veggies.”
“With care and hard work, Iris has prepared a wonderful resource for the UMBS community,” said Karie Slavik, associate director of the U-M Biological Station. “She's been working with the dining hall team and microbiology instructors to grow produce for meals and seedlings for coursework. Iris is creating a special space for everyone, regardless of whether or not they want to put their hands in the soil.”
Arboreal encourages everyone in the UMBS scientific community — students, researchers, faculty, staff and families — to drop by the garden any time, offer a helping hand and brainstorm visions for the space.
Also an artist, Arboreal is looking forward to participating in workshops hosted by the 2023 artists in residence at the field station.
“I love printmaking, and I'm excited to make lots of art this summer,” Arboreal said.
