Nothing enhances a space like the addition of outdoor and indoor greenery. Gardens relieve stress, bring people together, and connect us with nature. At Skyline, you can regularly enjoy the gorgeous outdoor spaces that Skyline Facilities beautifully maintain. But have you visited the Garden Sphere in Building 7? The structure sits snugly in a sunlit corner of the upper floor just outside the elevator, bringing greenery into the day of everyone passing through.

In September 2024, the Earth Day Every Day team and the Skyline Students Advocating for Greener Environments (S.A.G.E.) club organized a revitalization effort for the Garden Sphere! We replaced the soil and planted new plants, bringing life back to the neglected structure. Check out our progress on Skyline’s Instagram.

The Garden Sphere was devised, planned, and built in 2018 by collaborating with Skyline College’s Environmental Club, the Fabrication Laboratory, and WISER! (Women In Science and Engineering Represent!), and the Engineering and Robotics Club. The group translated open-source AutoCAD schematics into the proper files for use with the software and machines in the Fab Lab, assembled and planted in the structure, and upkeep for the enjoyment of Building 7 occupants. The original project in 2018 stated, “In a world set on constant expansion of concrete jungles, it is refreshing to bring a little piece of nature back into our lives.”

Unfortunately, during the campus closures caused by the pandemic, the Garden Sphere could not be maintained and lost its vitality. A few valiant succulents struggled through, but most of the greenery died away, and the soil dried out.
Since the campus reopened in late 2021, there have been discussions about reviving the structure, but not enough time or resources have been devoted to making it happen. With the leadership of the Earth Day, Everyday team and the support of the President’s Innovation Fund, this green garden is getting the attention it deserves to flourish again.

While the revival is still a work in progress, plans for rigging a new watering system, lighting system, and comfy cushions for the bottom row show that life is re-blooming in the Garden Sphere. Earth Day Every Day, Skyline S.A.G.E., and anyone interested in supporting the project look forward to nurturing its growth and enhancing the structure of our campus population. We invite you to come to experience this space when you have a moment.

If you are interested in projects like this, consider joining the district sustainability committee, the Earth Day Everyday team, or the Skyline S.A.G.E. student environmental club! You can complete the SAGE interest form to let us know! We regularly engage in projects and events about sustainability, environmental education, and action on campus and in our local communities. Find out how you can make a difference for the Earth!
Contact us at earthdayeveryday@my.smccd.edu to learn more.