VHS’s Environmental Club recently received a grant and is pursuing a plan for implementing it in the courtyard in the science wing. The club plans on using the money to build a gardening raised bed, picnic table, and plant flowers to promote endangered pollinators.

Carol Thomas, middle school Science teacher, worked with Environmental Club President, Julia Capuano, to receive the $1,100 grant.

The courtyard will demonstrate sustainable practices such as organic growing, composting, and rainwater collection. These practices will be a good resource for science teachers to incorporate hands-on learning in their classes.

Environmental Club members will present the crops grown in the raised bed as a healthy lunch, promoting nutrition and local organic food. During designated club meetings, students outside the club will be invited to eat and learn about the food produced by the club. Crops such as lettuce, snow peas, carrots, and other weather plants that can be grown during the school year will be part of the lunch presentation.

Herbs will also be grown in the greenhouse over the winter for herbal teas, provided as a healthier alternative to coffee and a more environmentally friendly option than disposable cups.

Wildlife will be supported in the courtyard with a bird feeder. The club plans to plant flowers that are used for nectar by locally endangered pollinators.

Grant materials will be submitted and purchased within the next two months, so keep a close eye on that courtyard.