Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor
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Spring Harbor Environmental Middle School constructed a sustainable greenhouse for use in education, Our Leading Donors Include:
- Irwin A. & Robert D.
OUR PROJECT
Spring Harbor Environmental Science Middle School was recently awarded a grant to construct a sustainable greenhouse on our grounds that will allow students to grow native plants for restoration projects in Dane County. The building will also be used as an outdoor classroom and for growing fruits and vegetables organically. Our goals is for the greenhouse to be the cornerstone of an o
ngoing community gardening and learning facility that offers summer gardening and science camps for children, garden space for local residents, and opportunities for multi-generational learning. OUR DESIGN
The greenhouse design will incorporate the principles of permaculture. The building will be in harmony with the environment and not increase demand for fuel, electricity and water. The design will utilize a biomass heating system, rain barrels to collect water, and light straw-clay construction to create a highly insulated building. We plan to use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity that will offset the power needs of the building. We will build a brick oven to help heat the structure and cook food with ingredients from the garden. SUPPORT
Our greenhouse project is made possible by a a start-up grant of $8,650 awarded by The Foundation for Madison Public Schools in April 2010. Individuals and local businesses continue to donate funding, labor, and recycled or repurposed materials for the greenhouse. We are still actively fundraising and collecting donations to complete the greenhouse. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
As Madison Metropolitan School District's only environmental magnet school, we are committed to using ecologically-responsible materials and methods for constructing our greenhouse.
• All materials used in construction will either be reclaimed or recycled materials. Any materials not reclaimed should be produced using sustainable methods.
• The plants grown in the greenhouse will primarily be plants native to Wisconsin. These plants will ultimately be used in restoration efforts throughout Dane County. Goodman Foundation
- Foundation for Madison Public Schools
- Madison Gas & Electric (MG&E)
- American Transmission Corporation (ATC)
- American Family Insurance
- Kohl Fellowship
- Indian Hills Garden Club
- Spring Harbor Neighborhood Association
- Madison Community Foundation
