Henry County SWCD Awards Conservation Education Grants for HCHS High Tunnel

The Henry County SWCD awarded a Conservation Education Grant to Henry County Schools for a new high tunnel.  The Henry County schools, HCHS and CTE Programs submitted a grant application request in September.  The high school currently had one greenhouse, but student programs were limited due to the age, size and capacity of the structure.  The SWCD board approved the grant in January for the purchase and construction of a 24' X 84' high tunnel.  The high tunnel was installed on February 21st by Scenic Acres Greenhouse Mfg. of Elkton, Ky.  This greenhouse will allow for the development and expansion of partnerships and provide a multitude of new opportunities for more classes, such as construction, food and nutrition classes as well as supporting the school nutrition program.  The school also envisions new partnerships with both county and city K-8th grade.  Laura Moss, Paris FFA Advisor, said the second greenhouse was needed because the program has grown so much. "We were getting pretty cramped.  This will allow us more opportunities that we don't have now" stated Moss.  SWCD board members and NRCS staff were present during the construction and able to present the grant check to Ms. Moss.  Don Norwood, SWCD Board Chairman, said "We decided we wanted to sponsor this project for the kids."  In 2021, the SWCD awarded a grant to purchase an air cooler and shade cloth for the greenhouse.  We know these projects will continue to be an invaluable source of education and enjoyment for the students and faculty for may years.