Caledonia Regional High School in the community of Hillsborough is adding a new four-season greenhouse to its campus, aiming to offer students a hands-on learning experience. The geothermal greenhouse, set to open in April, will utilize ground heat to maintain optimal growing conditions for various vegetables throughout most of the year.
Principal Emily Ostler Colpitts emphasized that the greenhouse project will not only allow students to cultivate a variety of produce but also establish a “food forest” featuring raspberries, blueberries, and apples. She highlighted the educational value of the greenhouse, stating that it will be integrated into various subjects such as math, science, culinary technology, biology, and nutrition.
The initiative, conceived by Ostler Colpitts three years ago, was developed in collaboration with Foods of the Fundy Valley, a non-profit organization focused on addressing food security in Albert County. Alicia O’Hara, a board member of the organization, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to combat food insecurity by supplying fresh vegetables to local food banks during the summer harvest.
The greenhouse is seen as a solution to the limited access to fresh food in the area, as Megan Mace, the co-ordinator of Foods of the Fundy Valley, explained that Albert County faces challenges as a “fresh food desert.” By extending the growing season, the greenhouse is expected to enhance residents’ access to fresh produce, benefiting both students and the wider community.
Students like Gracie-Lynn Jackman and Emma Barkhouse are enthusiastic about the positive impact the greenhouse will have on low-income individuals and the educational opportunities it will provide. Inspired by the success of Port Elgin Regional School’s winterized greenhouse, Caledonia Regional High School aims to empower students through practical learning experiences and sustainable practices.
Christoph Becker, the principal of Port Elgin Regional School, praised the benefits of their greenhouse in offering diverse learning opportunities for students of all academic backgrounds. The school’s greenhouse not only supports academic growth but also contributes to cost savings in the cafeteria and provides ingredients for culinary classes, showcasing the importance of hands-on education in preparing students for real-world challenges.