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Greenhouse planned for Clintonville students

Agriculture and horticulture students at Clintonville High School will soon benefit from the construction of a greenhouse.

The school board approved the site for the greenhouse at their meeting on Monday, March 25.

According to Ag Instructor Joe Heinbuch, the greenhouse will be located on the north side of the high school, near the band and choir rooms.

“Water is already accessible at this location, and we can position the building so that it is in full sunlight by about 10 a.m. on a given day,” said Heinbuch.

The free-standing building is 11’8″ wide by 8′ 10″ high by 24’8″ long. The building will be made out of a metal frame and polycarbonate glass. Solar powered vent openers will also be installed. Heinbuch said gas or electric heat may be necessary in the greenhouse, especially if is to be used year-round.

The building costs $5,495, and the total project will end up costing about $9,000. The building comes with a 10-year warranty.

“We have more than enough money to pay for the building, thanks to fundraisers and grants that were secured well before I arrived in Clintonville,” said Heinbuch. “We also received a grant from the Monsanto Fund last year, which was a big help. We would like to add a second greenhouse in the near future, and we are seeking grant funding for that building as well.”

Heinbuch said the new greenhouse will be used mainly by agriculture and horticulture classes, but will also benefit science and biology classes.

“We have already started many plants, and we have them in various windows around the school right now,” said Heinbuch. “We want to do a plant sale in May, and we hope to provide flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

“Once the greenhouse is up, we hope to grow produce that can be used in food science classes. Our Ag Processing class could use food from the school greenhouse,” said Heinbuch. “Home economic classes could also benefit from the produce we grow in the greenhouse. Students also want to grow items that eventually could be used in the salad bar at school lunch.”

In the long term, Heinbuch hopes to add fruit trees near the greenhouse, along with raised produce beds.

“The greenhouse will really help our agriculture and horticulture students,” said Heinbuch. “We’re very limited in terms of what we can do in those classes right now, but the greenhouse will really open things up for us.”

Heinbuch said he hopes construction classes will be able to help put the greenhouse together, since it comes as a simple kit. “We hope to have it put together as soon as the snow is gone,” said Heinbuch.

Any individuals or businesses interested in contributing towards the purchase of a second greenhouse can contact Heinbuch at [email protected] or call him at 715-823-7215, ext. 2244.

“We are already working on securing grant funding for an orchard, raised beds, a second greenhouse, and a roto-tiller,” said Heinbuch. “We’re always looking for equipment and supplies for our entire outdoor lab.”

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