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Nashua students learn about horticulture

By Grace Pecci - Staff Writer | Jul 16, 2019

NASHUA – A group of Nashua High School North and South students are using the outdoors as their classroom this summer, thanks to a new extended learning opportunity (ELO) in horticulture.

Recently, Nashua Technology Center Co-Directors Amanda Bastoni and Mike McQuilkin paired up with Regenerative Roots Executive Director Andrew Morin to offer students this opportunity.

For eight weeks, students will spend two days per week with Morin learning about garden management. On Mondays, they will focus on a district project. On Wednesdays, students have class at Sullivan Farm before venturing out for other projects and field trips.

Throughout the summer, students will be learning about sustainable agriculture, soil, orchard management, beekeeping, hydroponics, aquaponics and organic management of pests and diseases, all while earning a credit.

Morin has some big plans for the students. They will be continuing to build and revitalize the current raised bed garden at Nashua High School North, while they will also be building an educational garden at Nashua High School South and working on the landscape around Ledge Street Elementary School. They will even help out at Gate City Farm.

To this point, students seem to be enjoying the activities.

Nashua High School South junior Gwen Davis said she signed up for the ELO because she wants to be able to apply sustainable gardening methods at home. She also enjoys working with animals, in general.

Davis, who is also involved with Gardeners Club at Nashua High School South, said she has enjoyed what she has learned so far.

Julian Romero, a student from Nashua High School North, said he took advantage of this opportunity because he wanted to volunteer and build his resume.

Nashua High School South sophomore Shane Fisher said he is participating in this ELO to keep busy during the summer and stay out of trouble. He is also related to someone who has a farm, which has peaked his interest.

Morin said of the students, “They’ve been really engaged; they’ve learned a lot. Having hands-on learning experiences allows these students to interact naturally outdoors, and build friendships, while also learning how to grow healthy food.”

In terms of education, Morin is interested in starting a sustainable agriculture class to couple with the internship and has received ongoing support from both Bastoni and McQuilkin.

Bastoni said of the program, “This speaks to (Morin’s) commitment to Nashua, to Sullivan Farm and to students in the community in general. This didn’t come from the district, this came from the community to the school. (Morin) has volunteered a lot of free time to be here.”

She added, “He came to us with this idea and has been doing this work before I knew it.”

Morin said the internship has been available to students for three years now, but this is the first year that students have the opportunity to earn credit.

“(Morin) is great. He makes sure there is rigorous curriculum. He’s got everything organized,” McQuilkin said. “It’s ‘Here’s the subject matter, here’s the content – now let’s apply it.’ This is a really great opportunity for students.”

McQuilkin also said Morin has worked tirelessly during the school year to make this opportunity happen.

“On his own time, he came to meetings, wrote curriculum and collaborated with district staff. He did this for the sole purpose of providing opportunities for kids,” McQuilkin said. “He has built relationships with the teachers and administrators in the school district. It is a pleasure to work with someone who is so passionate about his work.”

He added, “That passion is translated to the kids and is contagious. I look forward to seeing this program grow and exploring more opportunities and pathways for our students.”

A portion of the food that the students are growing this summer will be donated to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter.

The students will wrap up their summers by creating a portfolio and will be able to take the lessons they’ve learned into the future.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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