G.C. Huston students Mylah and Manix get their hands dirty at the seeding station during the SDSS Young Growers program April 16.
Hub Staff
The Young Growers program at Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) played host to 56 Grade 1 students from G.C. Huston Public School April 16. The budding horticulturists got their hands dirty in six different stations set up in the school’s cafetorium and were sent on a scavenger hunt and tour in the school’s greenhouse.
Organizers and SDSS students Terri-Lynne Thede, Brooke Kobe and Bryanna MacLachlan reminisced of their own past participation in Young Growers and said the program helps them spread their passion for plants to the younger students. The program also augments the elementary students' science lessons with some hands on learning. Students from Northport Elementary are set to take part on Thursday, April 18.
At the Tuesday event, children rotated through stations where they transplanted, seeded and built miniature greenhouses. The Grade 1 students also coloured posters to help promote SDSS's upcoming Plant Sale. The Plant Sale takes place every Thursday in May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps raise money for the school's Greenhouse Program, devoted to developing a highly knowledgeable group of blossoming horticulturists.
In a new twist this year year, the Plant Sale will incorporate a JumpStart Hour, during which all profits will be donated to the local Canadian Tire Jumpstart charity. Mike and Eleanor Mowbray of Canadian Tire Port Elgin are lead sponsors of the Young Growers program.
Grade 1 Jasmine from Southampton's G.C. Huston Public School grew her botanical knowledge during SDSS's Young Growers program April 16.
On the left, Grade 1 students William and Carter from G.C. Huston Public School displayed their artwork that will help to promote SDSS's Plant Sale. On the right, Grade 1 student Royal proudly showed off his artistic talents in support of the annual sale.
SDSS student Joe Molinaro introduced G.C. Huston students to the newest carnivorous plant from this year’s Greenhouse Program. This tropical pitcher plant lures prey into its vase-like trap, where the slippery, waxy coating prevents them from escaping, explained Molinaro.
G.C. Huston students Brock and Reese put together their own miniature greenhouses using plastic cups, soil and seeds.
On the left, a ladybug was gently transferred to a lush green leaf by G.C. Huston student Courage in the SDSS greenhouse, April 16. On the right, Louis examined some of the greenery during the Young Growers program.
Grade 1 participants from G.C. Huston Public School at the SDSS Young Growers Program pose with leader Kiandra Martin April 16.
On the left, Kennedy, a blossoming horticulturist, at the SDSS Young Growers event. On the right, Bella created this colourful masterpiece at the SDSS Young Growers program.
Saugeen District Secondary School offers three greenhouse classes for students who want to grow their botanical knowledge. The classes fill up every year and even have a waiting list, said SDSS student and event organizer, Brooke Kobe.