Welcome to Garden House, Reed College’s new interest-based student housing centered around sustainability and environmental justice.
Students living in Garden House can participate in the many events held at this location, and an emphasis is placed on sustainable living on a day-to-day basis. Garden House hosts eight students, a house advisor, and the sustainability and environmental justice (SEJ) scholar, who supports environmentally themed programming for the residents as well as the greater Reed community. Residents have full access to the Reed garden, and are encouraged to participate in its maintenance.
Engagement Requirements
Students in Garden House are expected to participate in a significant percentage of the SEJ-themed events held onsite. Although engagement is not tracked, we hope that students will help with work in both the home and the garden.
Learn more about ways to get involved and check out upcoming sustainability events.
Meet the SEJ Scholar
As of fall 2024, the Garden House is home to the sustainability and environmental justice scholar. Modeled after Reed’s Language Scholars Program, this position is held by a recent graduate who supports SEJ programming to put sustainability education into practice.
The SEJ scholar collaborates with residence life and sustainability to make meaningful changes at the residential and operational level, fostering innovative programming to deepen our understanding of the collective work demanded in the face of the climate crisis.
The 2024–25 scholar is Esmé Kaplan-Kinsey, a 2024 Reed graduate in English/creative writing who supports SEJ involvement through hands-on student engagement as well as regular events. Esmé is available to speak with any student interested in SEJ, regardless of their place of residence. Contact them at esmekaplankinsey@reed.edu if you’re interested in learning more about this program.