CSUN - Institute for Sustainability (GARDEN)

The G.A.R.D.E.N. is a 1/2 acre site managed by the Institute for Sustainability with support from CA Climate Action Corps Fellows  as well as hundreds of students and community volunteers who help care for the space each year. Seasonal vegetables and herbs are grown in over 500 square feet of bed space alongside dozens of fruit trees and a wide variety of California native plants, all without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. 

Volunteer tasks vary with the day/season, but typically include activities such as weeding, laying mulch, turning/sifting compost, pruning, sowing/collecting seeds, and harvesting fruits/vegetables for delivery to the CSUN Food Pantry. 

How to Participate 

To volunteer at the G.A.R.D.E.N., follow the steps below: 

1. Visit our SignUp.com page and claim any shift(s) you wish to volunteer. 
   Note that shifts show the time staff will be present to greet you and get you set up.  There is no expectation that you will be available to volunteer for the entire duration of a shift; you are welcome to come “late” or leave “early” as your schedule allows.  We appreciate any time you can spend caring for the space with us! 

2. For your first shift only, sign and print a liability waiver and bring it with you to the G.A.R.D.E.N. 
   Note that if you are under 18 you will need to have the second page signed by a parent/guardian. 

3. Once you arrive at the G.A.R.D.E.N., we will give you a brief orientation of the space and ask you to fill out a pre-volunteer survey; you can also complete the survey in advance if you prefer. 

Location Details 

The G.A.R.D.E.N. is located on the north side of campus between the tennis courts and student housing, directly behind Northridge Academy High School (see Google Maps pin).  On the CSUN Campus Map, the site is labeled “Food Garden and Outdoor Classroom”, located in quadrant G7. 

Please note that the G.A.R.D.E.N. is accessible via on-campus footpath only.  There is no public automobile access to the site and the driveway behind the space is managed by Northridge Academy High School, often gated off to both vehicles and pedestrians.