On Friday, September 30, the Luther College Sustainability, Wellness, and Grounds Committee hosted the second annual plant giveaway. Students, staff and faculty gathered north of the library lawn to spend time outdoors picking out plants and painting plant pots. Attendees had the chance to snap a few photos with Daryll, the wind turbine that has become a symbol for Luther Sustainability.

One of the students in attendance was Halle Olson (‘25), who rushed over to the plant sale from class. As a plant lover, Halle enjoyed this year’s event, simply because she was able to get one. 

“Last year I came thirty minutes after the event started, and all of the plants were gone,” Olson said. “I’m just really excited I got plants this year.”

Mattie Snyder (‘24) works in the communications department within Luther Sustainability. Snyder viewed the giveaway as a fun opportunity to get students involved with environmental causes on campus.

“I think [the plant giveaway] is a really great way to engage with sustainability, because people get hands-on experience,” Snyder said. 

Snyder was joined by fellow student Jannie Gowdy (‘25), who also works in the communications department for Luther Sustainability. The duo worked throughout the event to interact with students and take pictures or make TikToks for Luther Sustainability. While the plants were completely gone before the end of the event, a large crowd of students and a few faculty members were able to spend time connecting with peers and engaging with Sustainability, which Gowdy was happy to see.

“It’s very obvious the liberal arts kids love plants,” Gowdy said. “So, [the giveaway is an effective way to get students out and interacting with their peers and sustainability.”

Luther Sustainability has not released the date or plans for next year’s plant giveaway. However, they encourage students to watch the bulletin for ways to connect with sustainability on campus and with their peers in the future.