The Tower Gardens use water, nutrients and a soilless medium called rockwool to grow fresh, healthy and abundant plants. Seedlings are planted in rockwool, which provides the plant roots with oxygen and consistent moisture. When the seedlings are ready, they are transferred to the Tower Garden. Water and nutrients are poured into a reservoir at the base of the tower. A pump then pushes the water up the tower and the water solution drips down over the plant roots. Grow lights can be automated to provide daily light for the plants.

First grade teacher Amber Strain and fourth/fifth grade science teacher Brandy Walker helped their students plant kale, rainbow chard, arugula, basil, Bibb lettuce and baby greens.

The Tower Gardens quickly sprouted under the diligent care of the students.

First graders used their garden to learn about the life cycle of plants. The fourth and fifth graders enjoyed observing plant growth and learned how to make smoothies as part of an Earth Day celebration. Students harvested the plants and then blended their fresh greens with strawberries, apples, bananas, honey, blueberries, peaches and almond milk to create delicious drinks. The students had fun trying the “green smoothies.” They even delivered drinks to elementary principal, Samantha Kahler, and high school principal, Lynn Eberlin.

Loyalsock Foundation is committed to bringing to a multi-generational, regional wellness and cultural community center with facilities for health, fitness, education and outdoor recreation. The Summit: Center for Wellness campus is located in Laporte Township. To view the progress, visit www.loyalsockfoundation.org.