June 2026: Growing in Community

OSU students helped facilitate a birding/gardening group with CRIS community members this spring

We recently wrapped up a new wellness initiative at the CRIS office, bringing together Ohio State University students and members of our community for a multi-session gardening and birding group. Designed to cultivate holistic well-being, this collaboration helped the individuals we serve build meaningful connections both with nature and with one another.

The program kicked off with a hands-on session in which participants planted tomato plants in pots and discussed how to care for them. Because many CRIS clients bring extensive farming backgrounds from their home countries, the afternoon quickly blossomed into a conversation sharing experience and expertise. Participants shared agricultural knowledge, tips for plant care, and even some recipes from home featuring fresh tomatoes.

The group also explored the existing birdhouses on the CRIS property. Mid-exploration, they were happy to discover a nest of Chickadee eggs, sparking an impromptu conversation about local Ohio wildlife.

The momentum carried into the following week as participants built their own custom birdhouses. This activity opened the door for beautiful storytelling, as clients shared memories of the distinct birds from their home countries in Africa and wondered aloud about the local species that might eventually nest in their new Ohio creations.

The OSU students capped off the group initiative by assembling and filling three raised garden beds on the CRIS property. These beds will serve as a shared resource for both staff and clients to enjoy throughout the upcoming season.

Reflecting on the program, the impact was clear in the participants’ own words. One shared, “I loved the bird activity, and I check to see if a bird has come every day.” Another highlighted the group's social component, explaining, “It was great to get out of the house and talk to new people.”

We send a huge thank you to the OSU students and everyone who poured their time, effort, and stories into this program. Cultivating a closeness to nature while growing closer to each other—this is healthy, holistic integration in action!