Article submitted by Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI):
Students in LCVI’s Grade 10 and 11 green industries class are proving that hard work, dirty hands, and a bit of passion can yield incredible results for both their education and community.
Throughout the second semester, these dedicated students have been transforming the school greenhouse into a bustling hub of horticultural life. They have learned many aspects of plant science, including propagation techniques, and the production process required to produce a crop of plants.
As the school year comes to a close, the classes have recently taken part in two initiatives, aimed at giving back to the community:
1. From seeds to success: the annual Plant Sale
The culmination of the class’s hard work was on full display at the LCVI Plant Sale, which took place throughout the month of June. The sale invited students, staff, and the local community to purchase a wide assortment of vibrant annual and perennial flowers to brighten up gardens, as well as hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs ready for backyard plots. The proceeds from the sale are used to buy seeds and plants for next year’s classes, as well as purchase necessary tools and equipment used to work in the flowerbeds around the school grounds.
2. Growing with purpose: Supporting the Edwin Binney Community Garden
Beyond their commercial success, the green industries classes have poured immense effort into a massive community donation project.
Annually, an average of 15,000 – 20,000 pounds of food is harvested and donated to over 25 different community organizations in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County through the Edwin Binney Community Garden.
The overall goal of this initiative is an attempt to combat growing food insecurity, and is made possible through a partnership between the United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes, Crayola, and previously, Fleming College. Unfortunately, due to the recent termination of the college’s sustainable agriculture program, there was a loss of support at the community garden–so LCVI’s green industries class wanted to help!
This wasn’t a hands-off project. To get these crops ready, the students were responsible for the entire lifecycle of the plants, including:
- Seeding: Carefully planting and germinating hundreds of seedlings.
- Transplanting: Moving delicate seedlings into larger pots to ensure strong root systems.
- Daily maintenance: Creating strict schedules for watering, monitoring soil health, and properly fertilizing the plants.
Edwin Binney Community Garden coordinator, Raechel Woodrow, says, “The students have made an incredible contribution to our community by growing hundreds of tomato and pepper plants from seed for our garden. Their dedication, care, and hard work will help produce hundreds of pounds of fresh food for local food banks and community programs, increasing access to healthy, nutritious produce for people who may not always have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. We are so grateful for their efforts and the lasting impact they will have on our community.”
“These students haven’t just been learning about agriculture; they’ve been learning about community responsibility,” said LCVI green industries teacher, Tanya Garland. “The tireless effort, attention to detail, and community spirit by the students have made a tangible difference in the school and across the wider community. They have truly shown what it means to grow a better future.”
Visit the United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Edwin Binney Community Garden page for more information on the initiative, or follow them on social media @unitedwayckl. Those interested in volunteering can also visit their Volunteer page.
