BCOPE Garden by Lacey Ward, Junior, BCOPE
How it started
The BCOPE Garden comprises a 1/4 acre parcel in the rear of the property, and a heated greenhouse on-site that we utilize year round. The garden and greenhouse have been in use for the past twenty years and play a big role in our curriculum. The greenhouse was built in November of 2006 with the help of a grant from MBNA. This was part of an effort to increase the amount of produce available in our schools. The greenhouse allows us to grow cold weather crops in the cooler seasons. BCOPE not only utilizes our produce in the kitchen but we also sell seedlings and produce to help fundraise for the BCOPE community.
Currently
This March, funded by a grant from Maine Ag in the Classroom, students and staff spent a day reskinning the plastic of our greenhouse, putting our teamwork skills to the test. It was amazing watching the transformation happen in real time. The process included preparation work, like cleaning around the greenhouse so we have a clear space to work. Then we removed the old plastic and folded it to reuse for another project. After stripping down the used plastic, we laid the new plastic and with the help of most of the school. After completing the final touches, we celebrated with homemade subs and strawberry shortcake and ended the day spending time together.
Plan for the future
Although we have made significant improvements to our greenhouse, we aren’t done yet. We are in the process of replacing our flooring as well as designing and building new garden beds. Our goal is to make the greenhouse as functional and sustainable as possible with the opportunities that come our way. A parent of a student that attends BCOPE donated her time and expertise to help us with this process. At the time of this writing we are leveling and replacing the floor with 3/4 inch gravel.
Our garden helps the students connect with the rest of the district community. During the summer months the BCOPE is home to an extended bridge program called “Backroads Intensive” where rising 9th graders come to work on the garden and build community. BCOPE students act as mentors to help these students learn about the garden and high school.
In closing, I went around and asked my peers what the BCOPE garden means to them. Their answers tell our story, “The garden is a safe place,” said Paige L, “It is a peaceful getaway,” added Crissy B, and It provides “educational entertainment,” shared Alyssa D.
The Belfast Community Outreach Program for Education (BCOPE) is the alternative high school program for RSU 71. For more information about our garden and greenhouse program, please reach out to our garden coordinator Lindsey Schortz at lschortz@rsu71.org.
