Paige Lighthipe

Why are they here?

Before and during the Depression Era all of the food NAU used to give to students was locally raised or grown. This was not only to cut down on costs but also to ensure that there would also be food available. In addition to planting fruit trees, NAU also had its own dairy barn and raised some of its own beef and poultry.

How did they get here?

Mr. Lemuel Littleman was a long-time groundskeeper at NAU from 1947 to 1983. Although every tree he planted was not documented it is assumed that most of the trees planted on campus were put there because of him. Such trees include: an apple tree across the street from Gammage, a peach tree next to Blome, and a cherry tree nuzzled in the corner of the Eastburn Education Center. However, take a walk around campus sometime during the fall and you will discover many more.

Today’s green initiatives

While NAU may not source their food directly from campus anymore, there are still many ways in which it aims to be Today at NAU there are different gardens spread throughout campus that grow produce, herbs, and flowers. While NAU may not source their food directly from their campus anymore, there are still many ways in which it aims to promote food sustainability. There are two different gardens and a greenhouse where students grow different crops, herbs, and flowers. The dining hall on campus composts their waste that then helps provide the gardens with fertilizer. There are several different programs in place that cut back on campus food waste by notifying students about events with leftover food, as well as collecting and donating leftover food to food banks.