If you passed by the Administration Building last month, you may have spotted towering stalks of corn surrounding the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Live & Learn Greenhouse. These weren’t just festive fall decorations—they were grown by QCC students! Earlier this year, Environmental Science students Morisson Bonilla and Joe Vaudreuil partnered with PTK to explore the greenhouse’s operations, challenges, and potential as a community-based learning space.
Originally a repurposed bus stop, the greenhouse is now producing more food than ever before. This year, tomatoes and leafy greens led the harvest, in addition to potatoes. The students studied pest dynamics, identifying helpful pollinator bees and problematic pot worms. They also analyzed the watering system, which averaged 84 gallons per day, spiking during the summer heatwave. To conserve water, they’re considering upgrades like drip irrigation.
The students assessed multiple challenges facing the greenhouse, one of which being climate change. While the greenhouse protects young plants from harsh outdoor conditions, it also overheats during increasingly hot summer months, signaling the need for a cooling system. Additionally, the greenhouse’s location in a high-traffic area of the parking lot poses concerns. Infrastructure improvements like shelving, drainage and irrigation systems are also needed to support its growth.
This initiative offers hands-on educational opportunities across disciplines and fosters a sense of community through urban agriculture. It also supports health and wellness by supplying fresh produce to the HomePlate Food Pantry and Resource Center and encouraging healthier habits among participants. Working outdoors and engaging with plants has even been shown to reduce anxiety.
Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to get involved. This is a great way to connect with others, cultivate something impactful and contribute to a healthier, sustainable community.
For more information contact Lizette Reid at lreid@qcc.mass.edu.