The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor

In April 2010, SHMS received a first grant from Madison Foundation for Public Schools to construct a sustainable greenhouse. We commonly refer to the initial design as our “glorified goat shed.” We stipulated in grant that the structure would use reclaimed, repurposed, recycled or sustainably- produced materials.

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor We leveraged the initial grant into additional support from MG&E, ATC, our school community, neighborhood and local businesses. With that money, we were able to hire Ginko House Architects and Wholistic Home Solutions to help us focus our ideas.

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Through numerous meetings and discussions, we finalized on the following vision, developed by Ginko House Architects

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Once the vision was in place, Lou Host-Jablonski and Christi Weber at the Design Coalition of Madison created the structural engineering plans that would turn our vision into reality.

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor We broke ground on October 5 th, 2012 The entire school and community came out for the celebration. We began pouring the foundation that day

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Students & Teachers insulated the foundation

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor

MATC Installed the Timbers and Framing

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor On Earth Day 2014, we started filling the walls:

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Straw was passed through a tumbler where it was coated in clay and then packed into the walls

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Making our program Sustainable Partnering with MSCR to lead Summer Gardening Camp with local students. ART Harvesting

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor Creating learning spacesHoop houses and growing structures Gardening, growing and eating

We’re currently exploring the manufacture of biochar using waste wood and invasive wood scraps to make soil adjuncts and heat water. Future Ideas for Spring Harbor Gardens

Constructing a brick oven using reclaimed limestone for baking bread and making pizzas

Future Ideas for Spring Harbor Gardens Capturing all the water on-site using a system of integrated rain barrels

Future Ideas for Spring Harbor Gardens Installing four solar- thermal panels to provide hot water for washing hands and veggies

Future Ideas for Spring Harbor Gardens Directing excess water into a pond feature that would be constructed in front of the greenhouse. Students could study a mini- pond ecosystem prior to going to the lake.

Future Ideas for Spring Harbor Gardens Convincing the Madison School District that the care of chickens would be beneficial to learning at the middle school level.

The Irwin A & Robert D Goodman Greenhouse at Spring Harbor How Can the Community Get Involved? Volunteer to work in the gardens Donate materials Help us network with local organizations Join us on a work day Financial donations/matching grants “Like” us on Facebook Write articles, lobby on the project’s behalf. Send us your ideas. Come up and visit the site. Eat a tomato