Planned greenhouse shifts to north side of high school

Plans for a greenhouse and educational garden at Whitefish High School have shifted to the north side of campus.

The Center for Sustainable Energy, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship originally was proposed for the open field on the south side of the new high school. The greenhouse is intended to be used for science classes and could also be used to grow food for the school lunch program.

Science teacher Eric Sawtelle told the school board last week that moving the greenhouse to the north side of campus will more easily allow for future development of south fields.

“That’s the last big open piece of land on the south side,” he said. “Keeping the greenhouse there would limit the options.”

“The idea to move it north was proposed and we like it,” he added.

The proposed greenhouse and garden area would take up about 3 acres. Preliminary designs show an outdoor classroom space, an experimental forest zone, a wetland and native plant area, a vegetable garden, and the greenhouse and learning center.

Trustee Dave Fern pointed out that moving the center to the north side of campus makes it a “front yard” project that visitors will see as they drive up to the school’s entry. He noted that the city’s Architectural Review Committee will have to review the project.

“If we do it right, it’s not going to be something that’s unsightly,” Sawtelle added.

Sawtelle said that he hopes to return to the board soon with a more solid design plan.