The Clark State College Agriculture and Horticulture Club will host its annual plant sale this month in a modified format allowing students and customers to maintain safety protocols as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The 2020 plant sale was canceled due to the pandemic.
Students in the Clark State agriculture program propagated the plants in the Clark State greenhouse. Although the sale format is different, Dr. Arly Drake, assistant professor of agriculture at Clark State, said it is important to hold the plant sale this year.
“Last year opportunities for our students to work together and bond outside of class was quite limited,” she said. “Typically, this event allows first year and second year students to meet and work together. Being able to do this this year is huge. Contact is still limited, but at least there have been opportunities. I had several first-year students inquire about helping even though they didn't have a class on campus. The need for social interaction seems great. This was a way to safely introduce students and continue that safely.”
This year an order form is available that can be presented at the sale or submitted prior to the sale. To request an order form, interested clients can email Drake at drakea@clarkstate.edu. Pre-orders are due no later than Tuesday April 20th. A drive through pick-up station will be set up in front of Shull Hall on the Springfield campus on Friday April 23rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We will set aside the order and confirm that we have fulfilled the order,” said Drake. “Then on the day of the event there will be a station and with a name and confirmation of the order and payment we will hand over the plants. Drive-thru time does not have to be scheduled.”
Drake said orders will be on a first come-first-serve basis as supply is limited this year.
“There may be some differences in varieties, but the plants are of high quality,” said Drake. “We do take pride. The plant sale is the Ag Club's biggest fundraiser.”
Drake said the club elects how to spend the proceeds and most recently invested in furnishing a student lounge, which is was an often-used area prior to COVID.
“Funds can also be used for social activities,” said Drake. “The Ag Club allows students to gain experience in leadership and groupwork.”