Page 31 - Priorities #53 2012-June/July

31
Another positive trend this year was the increase in the number of Senior Projects dealing with sustainable themes. Wes Campagna and Molly Simpson, for example, hosted a small musical performance to benefit the school’s garden expansion. Thanks to Molly and Wes, next year’s
expanded and relocated garden will feature fifteen or so blueberry bushes. Another pair of students, Eugenia Jernick and Emma Berriker were interested in the school’s landscaping choices, and the opportunity for more sustainable plantings around campus. They researched native and drought-tolerant plants that could be utilized in some of the school’s most prominent landscaping plots. The resulting set of well-considered planting suggestions could be easily implemented as attractive, low maintenance, and cost reducing landscaping options.
While this is only a partial list of this year’s sustainably oriented Senior Projects, here’s hoping that next year’s projects include even more thoughtful suggestions for ways in which the campus could improve operations. Two of this year’s juniors have already approached me with ideas for livestock on campus. One student will be investigating the possibility of farming bees; another will look into an expanded chicken operation to generate enough eggs for each morning’s breakfasts.
Finally, here are a couple more thing to look out for next year: Toilets! Over this summer, the school should be receiving new water saving toilets, for free, as part ofastatewidewaterconservationbond. And,ifyouhavenotseenityet,stopby to see the school’s current vegetable garden. This year, for the first time, it will
be cared for by students participating in the school’s summer Bridge Program. We hope that the garden will help to deepen Bridge students’ connections to the school. And stay tuned for more garden news, as the expanded Priory Garden breaks ground later this summer.
Thanks for your attention and support. Best Wishes to all for a healthy and sustainable summer! Sincerely,
Hovey Clark