This year, we will offer the following programs:
Aquaponics: Students assemble a floating-raft aquaponics system and learn about nutrient cycling, fisheries, and sustainable food production. Aquaponics combines hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil) with aquaculture (fish farming). The system contains a fish tank with tilapia, and a floating grow-bed for plants like lettuce. The fish waste feeds the plants and the plants filter the water.
Urban Homesteading: Students work on a variety of hands-on, do-it-yourself projects, from making their own chapstick, deodorant, or toothpaste to sprouting and using a biodigester.
Bike Maintenance and Biodiesel: Students work in small groups to master the basics of bicycle maintenance, from replacing tubes, lubing chains, to brake and gear inspections. Students experiment with biodiesel emissions and observe a biodiesel-production demonstration. This workshop also highlights public transportation, as students test out online tools to map out bus, train, and bike routes.
Sustainable Gardening: Whether working in an existing garden space or breaking ground on a new project, our educators come equipped to teach students how to implement principles of permaculture, while building garden beds, sowing seeds, transplanting, and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Composting (material purchases required): We work with students, faculty, and staff to build a three-tiered hotbox compost system. Students practice rotating compost duties and master the science of composting. Faculty learn how other schools manage the workload of composting.
Ecological Service Program (may require transportation to nearby field site): Partner with a regional conservation institution to restore a local ecosystem or conduct a field-based research project.