WASHINGTON--Students at American University appear to be digging their college's approach to environmental issues.

During the school's annual beautification day, students hit the quad to dig, plant and sod. The event is an opportunity for students to mingle with faculty and staff while taking an active role in the looks of their school.

"It really gets people out and involved in the campus," said Drew Veysey, a member of a student environmental group.

The group, Eco-Sense, was busy planting an organic garden. Members hope that the garden will encourage students to explore the locally grown food option.

"It's good to start getting involved now, while we are still shaping are lives," said sophomore Kathryn Bohri.

Recycling bins, a student dressed as a cow and catchy message t-shirts where all on hand to encourage environmentally friendly living.

Members of A.U.'s facilities management team said they are excited to work with students to develop an increasingly green campus.

"You have the ideas of youth coming together with facilities management, and we are able to experiment," said Mark Feist, assistant director of facilities team.