Crete Public Schools

Crete Aquaponics System

The goal of the Crete ELO grant was to create a sustainable living program by renovating the school-owned greenhouse. The students are continuing to explore career opportunities, agriculture/gardening through an aquaponics system, and healthy eating. Although the ELO funding is only available for one year, we have been able to secure the support from our partners for at least five years. Our students are learning about growing cycles, plant nutrients, and gardening techniques by participating in fun activities that allow them to be active learners. Now that our students have a basic understanding of how the system works, they are slowly becoming responsible for the daily maintenance and operation of the greenhouse. We are starting to harvest the plants that they grew and they are learning how to incorporate those ingredients into their cooking.

Primary project partners include:

• Bungee Milling
• Crete Area Medical Center
• Crete Public Schools
• Doane University
• Grow with the Flow
• Saline County Extension