The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring HarborGreenhouse at Spring Harbor


In April 2010, SHMS received a first grant from Madison Foundation for Public Schools to construct a sustainable greenhouse.We commonly refer to the initial design as our “glorified goat shed.”

We stipulated in grant that the structure would use reclaimed, repurposed, recycled or sustainably-produced materials.


We leveraged the initial grant into additional support from MG&E, ATC, our school community, neighborhood and local businesses. With that money, we were able to hire Ginko House Architects and Wholistic Home Solutions to help us focus our ideas.


Through numerous meetings and discussions, we finalized on the following vision, developed by Ginko House Architects


Once the vision was in place, Lou Host-Jablonski and Christi Weber at the Design Coalition of Madison created the structural engineering plans that would turn our vision into reality.

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring HarborGreenhouse at Spring HarborWe broke ground on October 5th, 2012The entire school and community came out for the celebration. We began pouring the foundation that day


Students & Teachers insulated the foundation



MATC Installed the Timbers and Framing


On Earth Day 2014, we started filling the walls:


Straw was passed through a tumbler where it was coated in clay and then packed into the walls


Making our program Sustainable• Partnering with MSCR to lead Summer

Gardening Camp with local students.

ART

Harvesting


Creating learning spacesHoop houses and growing structures

Gardening, growing and eating

We’re currently exploring the manufacture of biochar using waste wood and invasive wood scraps to make soil adjuncts and heat water.

Future Ideas for Spring Future Ideas for Spring Harbor GardensHarbor Gardens


Constructing a brick oven using reclaimed limestone for baking bread and making pizzas


Capturing all the water on-site using a system of integrated rain barrels


Installing four solar-thermal panels to provide hot water for washing hands and veggies


Directing excess water into a pond feature that would be constructed in front of the greenhouse. Students could study a mini-pond ecosystem prior to going to the lake.


Convincing the Madison School District that the care of chickens would be beneficial to learning at the middle school level.


How Can the Community Get Involved?

•Volunteer to work in the gardens•Donate materials•Help us network with local organizations•Join us on a work day•Financial donations/matching grants•“Like” us on Facebook •Write articles, lobby on the project’s behalf.•Send us your ideas. •Come up and visit the site. •Eat a tomato

Documents

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor