MVMS seeking 1,500 plastic bottles for greenhouse

MVMS seeking 1,500 plastic bottles for greenhouse Photo: Picasa

The Mountain Valley Middle School is asking the public to donate 1,500 plastic two-liter bottles for their greenhouse project. From left are Meroby Afterschool Program Site Coordinator Becky Skibitsky, Western Foothills Kids Association Director Barbara Radmore and MVMS tech education teacher Jim Radmore. Inset is similar to what the plastic bottle greenhouse will look like. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

MEXICO -- A no-cost project for a greenhouse is underway at the Mountain Valley Middle School. But they are depending on the public for the key ingredient -- 1,500 clear (and clean) two liter plastic bottles.

To date, with help from tech education students, the frame is completed and three of the four walls. The goal is to have the 6x8 square foot greenhouse ready for the planting during April vacation.

The effort is the collaboration of MVMS tech education teacher Jim Radmore, Western Foothills Kids Association Director Barbara Radmore and Meroby Afterschool Program Site Coordinator Becky Skibitsky.

Since seventh middle school science teacher Lindsay MacMillian began the school's garden project in 2007, the project has added a composting bin, a bean hole pit and benches around the garden.

Last spring, Skibitsky discussed the need for a greenhouse, and noted seeing one of these plastic bottle greenhouses online. Then, during the summer, the Radmores happened upon one at the Cornerstone School Academy in St. Johnsbury, VT. They later returned for a closer look.

"These greenhouses are actually pretty sturdy," said Jim, noting that one advantage to having this is students could begin starting seeds in this rather than using window sills as they do now.

By the time the greenhouse is completed, up to 20 students will have taken part in its construction. Another 45 students from the Meroby afterschool program will have activities using the greenhouse.

Further, clubs like Meroby's Pinto Pride Club and the high school Interact Club could be a part of this program, working with the community for projects such as donating food to the elderly as a result of students' effort to grow food grown in the garden during the summer. The fall crops will be served in the school's cafeteria.

People with clear plastic two-liter bottles to donate can drop them off at the middle school central office or call 357-6987.