From left to right: Peter Conbs, Kyle Mains, and Corrina Ricatti planting at REAL's plant and sip event. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Glassboro, NJ. (Graphics Editor / Alex Cruz)
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Rowan Environmental Action League (REAL) hosted a plant and sip event at the university’s community garden.
This event was a way to attract attention to the club and the garden by showing what the organization does while also giving attendees a chance to harvest produce and put in new plants, while also getting a chance to drink mocktails.
The person hosting the event was REAL’s vice president, Peter Conbs, a junior double majoring in environmental studies and geography. After being elected last semester, Conbs wanted to take the initiative on expanding the garden to make it more impactful for students.
“The community garden is for the community and their needs. Students have the chance to get what they want planted and be involved with what we do. I wanted to raise awareness because there is so much potential to better cater to the students,” said Conbs. “By being able to get more hands, we could expand what we can offer to everyone, like getting produce that most people might not get a chance to get on their own.”
Another member of the club at the event was REAL’s president, Kyle Mains, a senior computer science major. Mains has been a member since his freshman year and wants to see the club grow.
“I’ve been in this club for years since I used to live in the dorms. After getting involved, I always wanted to continue showing up for it. We don’t just work on the garden, but we hike, do clean-ups, have trips, and collaborate with other clubs,” said Mains. “However, I feel like there is so much more we can do with the garden because we grow things that others can use.”
An attendee of the event was Corrina Ricatti, a sophomore majoring in community and environmental planning and geographic information science. She came by to see the garden and learn what REAL has to offer.
“I had joined the Discord somewhat recently, and I had seen a notification that it was happening today. I also study food systems, so I thought it would be a good way to learn a few things too. This feels like this can be a very satisfactory experience by being with nature and other members,” said Ricatti.
Another attendee was Jack Medite, a freshman mechanical engineering major. He had heard about it from the club meeting and came to the event.
“I heard that this club does plenty of activities like hiking, so I wanted to check out what else the club offers. I like how the garden has a lot of variety and can offer a lot for students,” said Medite.
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