Landscaping students at BOCES will build their own greenhouse

Provided photo: These students will help build a new greenhouse at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. Pictured from left, in front, include: Donald “Max” Sanney (Lockport), Hannah Feitshans (Lyndonville), Raiden Collins (Orleans Learning Center), Josiel Rodriguez (Lockport), teacher Jay Kaplewicz, Everett Stone (Newfane) and James Eckborg Jr. (Orleans Learning Center). Back: Dean Kirsch (Royalton-Hartland), Aaron Croop (Lockport) and Steven Cerros-Secore (Medina).

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Students in Jay Kaplewicz’s Horticulture, Landscaping and Small Engines program, at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, have been having fun building their new acquisition, a green house!

“The students are loving having an opportunity to have a hand in building something that they will use and will become a lasting part of the program,” he said. “We have used this project as a great opportunity to learn about building and land survey tools, construction and building methods, different types of greenhouse designs and materials, team work and cooperation.”

Once built the greenhouse will be an excellent place for students to learn about operation and maintenance of automated greenhouse control systems. Students will also have a place to learn about plant care, maintenance, hydroponic systems, growing food, plant propagation and many other topics that will prepare them to successfully enter the world of work in the greenhouse and nursery industry.

“We plan to grow food that can be used by our Culinary Arts and Animal Science classes and to highlight a farm to table experience,” said Mr. Kaplewicz. “The greenhouse will feature a variety of hydroponic systems, a hydroponic propagation station, a tree and shrub propagation area, and a rain water catchment system. This spring will be our plant sale class fundraiser which will be supported by this greenhouse.”