Students at Top of the World Elementary will get a chance to learn first-hand about sustainability and harvest fresh produce for the Laguna Beach Food Pantry in the school’s new greenhouse, a school district statement said.
PTA proposed the greenhouse and food program in successfully seeking a grant from Seeds of Change, a Rancho Dominguez non-profit that supports community gardens from sales of some Mars Corporation brands.
The greenhouse was intended as a place to germinate student interest in increasing the garden’s yield and its contributions to the food pantry, the statement said.
When the Giving Garden Food Program won the $10,000 grant, TOW’s PTA matched it, resulting in a $20,000 construction budget.
The finished greenhouse will enrich the outdoor classroom experience for upper-grade students, said Principal Michael Conlon.
Members of the PTA worked with facilities managers to select a site for the geodesic dome, which includes a solar-powered central air system, an above ground pond, and automatic vents.
Students will study how living organisms interact within an ecosystem to be self-sustainable. Koi and water plants will eventually inhabit the pond that will help keep the greenhouse humid and provide nutrient-rich water to be used for planting, the statement said.
