2025 BLUElab Metro Irrigation

Members of the BLUElab Metro student team install an irrigation system at the Clay Hill Community Farm and Garden in Superior Township in a cooperation with the Willow Run Acres nonprofit.

BLUElab Metro is a Michigan Engineering based U-M student organization that focuses on supporting sustainability and community partnerships in Ann Arbor and the local surrounding area through socially engaged design practices and community engagement, empowering their partners in the process.

This year they are focusing on two projects that aim to fulfill the needs of local organizations in Superior Tip. and Ypsilanti:

Smart Water Irrigation Project:

Willow Run Acres has two large pieces of land which are currently being watered by hand due to the limited availability of city water on location. This year students work on installing a smart water irrigation system for both the Apple Ridge Community Gardens in Ypsilanti and Clay Hill Community Farm and Garden in Superior Township. By monitoring the soil and weather conditions, and researching each plant's watering needs, the team can design and build a control system that optimizes the watering process. Their overall goal is to improve crop watering efficiency on the farm, minimizing water usage while maximizing crop output.

Solar Project:

This year, the team will install a weather station to monitor weather conditions and promote education on weather, agriculture, and farming. Additionally, their goal this semester is to provide WRA with a renewable energy source on site - specifically, solar power which will power various systems on the farm. They will thoroughly research the best size/type of solar panels, figure out the best placement on the farm, and work on installing and integrating them.

Willow Run Acres

Willow Run Acres’ (WRA) mission is to combat food insecurity and diet-related diseases by providing fresh, nutritious food and holistic education programs. They fight food injustice and financial insecurity through hands-on education about American agriculture.

Their vision is a future of equitable access to healthy food, sustainable farming, and empowered communities. Rooted in African American agricultural heritage, they promote growth, empowerment, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.

Saturday, June. 21. 2025

Photo by Marcin Szczepanski/Lead Multimedia Storyteller, University of Michigan College of Engineering