Situated at the southwest corner of the Smith Memorial Student Union along the South Park Blocks, the Smith Demonstration Garden serves as a living laboratory for urban ecology, biodiversity, and community gathering.
Maintained by Student Sustainability Center (SSC) staff and volunteers, the garden features two main plots:
Native Prairie Garden: Features over 200 native plants and culturally significant flora, created in partnership with the Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank and rooted in Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITECK).
Pollinator Garden: Supports local pollinators, boosts urban biodiversity, and showcases sustainable, low-water landscaping.
Historically, the space was anchored by the Dialogue Dome—a cob structure built by students in 2005 during the Village Building Convergence. Today, it offers the PSU community a quiet place to reflect, learn, and connect with urban agriculture.
Get Involved
No experience is necessary!
Volunteer Shifts & Workshops: Check the SSC on Connect for current times and seasonal work parties.
Contact & Info
Email: gardens@pdx.edu
Instagram: @psu_ssc