If you’ve visited SMC in the past 6 months, you may have noticed a new structure on the land — a geometric dome behind Rigden Lodge, near Lake Shunyata and the garden. What looks like an alien spaceship is a fully functioning geodesic greenhouse, constructed in September 2015, and inaugurated with a staff dance party. The greenhouse is currently home to a range of greens (arugula, kale, mustard greens, bok choy, cabbage), herbs, radishes, turnips, a lemon tree, a fresh batch of ladybugs, and two Koi fish lovingly named Patrick and Schwayze. Its implementation was led by our Land Steward Sophia DeMaio, and Garden Manager Kevin Korb, who I spoke with to learn more about how this plant oasis came to be. Sophie comes from a background of conservation and land preservation, having worked with a land trust, along with experience in environmental studies and forestry. Coming to SMC in August 2014 as Land Steward was an opportunity to combine her interests in Shambhala and meditation with her passion for nature. These are two areas …