Seeds of Resilience Courtyard

The Seeds of Resilience Courtyard project will reimagine the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) building’s courtyard to reflect the energy, innovation, and joy that radiates from within. By completely renovating the space, they will create a sustainable outdoor area that fosters healing, connection, and growth for students. The courtyard will become a teaching and learning space to discuss issues of environmental resilience and learn about gardening and sustainability. The courtyard will be a place where students and the campus community can learn from one another about how to be better stewards of the Sonoran Desert and facilitate the sharing of skills and knowledge of current and traditional harvesting practices.  

The renovation will include the removal of old vegetation and the creation of an inviting amphitheater-style seating along the existing half wall jutting out from the north side of the building. The plaza will incorporate both active and passive rainwater harvesting practices through the use of permeable pavers and the installation of a large water harvesting tank.  Along the west wall of the courtyard will be stock tanks for gardening. 

Once construction is completed, abundant native flowering plants will be added to attract pollinators, and a native tree to eventually provide some shade to the seating area in the summer.