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College Heights breaks ground on school community garden

For Immediate Release
June 10, 2016

GUELPH, Ontario – A school garden that will provide fresh, organic food in the community is taking shape.

On Friday, College Heights Secondary School held a groundbreaking ceremony for a garden project that will promote locally grown food within the school and surrounding community.

College Heights breaks ground on community garden 1

The goal of the garden project is to add to the school’s already fantastic grounds by incorporating a sustainable and engaging teaching and learning garden. The garden will support student creativity and promote healthier lifestyle choices by providing access to fresh, locally grown, organic food.

Throughout the design, construction, planting and maintenance of the onsite food garden, students from many programs will learn valuable technological skills while practicing leadership, inquiry-based learning and collaboration. Food grown in College Heights’ garden will be available to students and families in the school community and will be used in the school’s extensive Hospitality program.

College Heights breaks ground on community garden 2

The first phase of the project includes the planting of trees, shrubs, pollinator plants and the installation of four large, raised vegetable garden beds.

Phase 1 has been funded by a Student Voice Speak Up grant awarded by the Ministry of Education. The grant proposal was planned, written and submitted by a dedicated group of seven student volunteers, overseen by Green Industries and SHSM Horticulture & Landscaping Teacher, Shelley Peterson.

The garden was designed by senior SHSM students and is being installed by many classes including SHSM Horticulture & Landscaping, SHSM Construction, Green Industries, Science, Agriculture Co-op, Family Studies and School to Work. Significant planning support for the project was provided by the group of teachers working on the CHSS Food Literacy Professional Learning Community (PLC) Team.

Future plans for the garden project include the installation of a gazebo/outdoor teaching and meeting area as well additional gardens and a small fruit tree orchard.

College Heights breaks ground on community garden 3

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For more information:
Heather Loney, Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]

Categories: News