info@mountainrootsfoodproject.org PO Box 323 Gunnison, CO 81230
Greenhouses
In 2010 and 2011, we partnered with Thistle Whistle Farm and Round Mountain Organics to share greenhouse space for Mountain Roots starts and growing. At the end of 2011, we were able to purchase the first Mountain Roots hoophouse through a grant from the County of Gunnison.
Greenhouses provide a place for gardens starts, season extension , and the possibility to grow crops that have longer maturation times or are sensitive to cold climates.
We hope to expand our greenhouse program by constructing additional greenhouses and exploring partnerships with Western State College, schools, and libraries to build and manage greenhouses during the summer when school is not is session.
The greenhouses can serve our education programs for students of all ages. Even in a small greenhouse, students learn about plants as whole systems. They can experiment with water movement, pollination, and nutrition, and explore relationships between plants and insects. They can try to simulate different habitats, and understand how physical factors and climate relate to plant type and growth.
SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSES
The effect greenhouses can have on our lives is just now being explored. The way we get our food is changing in many respects. As more people become interested in locally grown food and explore organic farming practices, the use of greenhouses to provide a community or even individual homes with food is becoming more common.
Our greenhouse team envisions a large, permanent growing facility that is constructed with a conscious eye on renewable energy and ecological building practices. It will utilize and demonstrate environmentally conscious techniques in every aspect of construction, power, and indoor growing. Perhaps it will also be large enough to house activities and community gatherings, to offer tours to elementary classes, and more.
If you are interested in donating to this effort, or being a part of planning, please contact us.
Tomatoes and cucumbers at Round Mountain Organics, 2011. Many thanks to Nancy Wicks for sharing this amazing space with us.
2010 starts at Thistle Whistle Farm, Hotchkiss. Many thanks to Mark Waltermire for sharing his space with us.
Mountain Roots Food Project is a 501(c)3 charitable organization
