Students in Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute’s (LCVI) Green Industries classes (THJ2O and THJ3E) are proving that hard work, dirty hands, and a bit of passion can yield incredible results for both their education and their community.

Throughout the semester, these dedicated students have been transforming the school greenhouse into a bustling hub of horticultural life. They have learned many aspects of plant science, including propagation techniques and the production process required to produce a crop of plants in the greenhouse.

From Seeds to Success: The Annual Plant Sale

The culmination of their hard work was on full display at the recent LCVI Plant Sale. The sale featured a wide assortment of vibrant annual and perennial flowers to brighten up gardens, as well as hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs ready for backyard plots.

Growing with Purpose: Supporting the Edwin Binney Community Garden

Beyond their commercial success, the Green Industries class has poured immense effort into a massive community donation project. Raechel Woodrow, Garden Coordinator of the Edwin Binney Community Garden, says “The students in the Green Industries class have made an incredible contribution to our community by growing hundreds of tomato and pepper plants from seed for our garden. Their dedication, care, and hard work will help produce hundreds of pounds of fresh food for local food banks and community programs, increasing access to healthy, nutritious produce for people who may not always have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. We are so grateful for their efforts and the lasting impact they will have on our community.”

An average of 15,000 – 20,000 pounds of food is harvested and donated to over 25 different community organizations in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton annually in an attempt to combat growing food insecurity. The Edwin Binney community garden is a partnership between the United Way CKL, Crayola, and previously, Fleming College. Unfortunately, the termination of the sustainable agriculture program at Fleming resulted in the loss of major support at the community garden. LCVI’s Green Industries class wanted to help.

This wasn’t a hands-off project. To get these crops ready, the students were responsible for the entire lifecycle of the plants, including:

• Seeding: Carefully planting and germinating hundreds of seedlings.

• Transplanting: Moving delicate seedlings into larger pots to ensure strong root systems.

• Daily Maintenance: Creating strict schedules for watering, monitoring soil health, and properly fertilizing the plants.

“These students haven’t just been learning about agriculture; they’ve been learning about community responsibility,” said Tanya Garland, Green Industries Teacher. “They showed up every day ready to get their hands dirty.”

Recognizing Excellence

Mrs. Garland would like to formally recognize and congratulate all of the students in the THJ2O and THJ3E courses. The tireless effort, attention to detail, and community spirit by the students have made a tangible difference in the school and across the wider community. They have truly shown what it means to grow a better future.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please complete a volunteer form [https://hkl.unitedway.ca/volunteer-form/] if you are interested in getting involved with the Edward Binney Community Garden. You can also reach out to the Farm Manager at raechel@hkl.unitedway.ca, or on social media @unitedwayhkl.

@lcvispartans @trillium_lakelands_dsb @unitedwayhkl

Drafted by Tanya Garland with editing and structural assistance from Gemini (AI).

A Note From United Way

We want to extend a special thank you to Tanya Garland and the Green Industries students who supported the Edwin Binney Community Farm & Education Centre. Their hard work and dedication in growing these plants will make a meaningful impact by helping provide fresh produce to local families and individuals across Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes while strengthening food security in our community.

Beyond the food they are helping grow, these students have also contributed to a valuable learning experience that connects education with sustainable agriculture, community care, and the importance of strengthening local food systems. Through hands-on learning, they are gaining valuable skills while helping create a more food-secure future for our community. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and the lasting difference they are helping create through their contributions to the farm.