Horticulture Sciences Greenhouse

he Barrington 220 Educational Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Horticultural Sciences Greenhouse last night. The renovations include automated climate, lighting and irrigation systems that will help to expand and update current Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) curriculum and increase coursework availability.

According to the Foundation, these updates will make Barrington High School one of the first schools in the state to offer a career pathway and endorsement in AFNR, which comprises 25 percent of the jobs in the State of Illinois. The student population seems to be on board - enrollment in horticulture classes doubled from 75 students in 2021-2022 to 150 in 2022- 2023.

“Thanks to our donors, this greenhouse will broaden students’ exploration of plant science and will give them the opportunity to learn about sustainable food production, implement newer farming technologies and discover new AFNR career opportunities,” said Mary Dale, Executive Director of the 220 Educational Foundation.

The new greenhouse also will be used in cross-curricular applications with biology, chemistry, engineering, business and culinary sciences and will serve as a field trip destination for younger students across all 220 elementary and middle schools.

Donate today to support this and other 220 Educational Foundation projects.

To learn more, please contact Mary Dale, Executive Director - execdirector@220foundation.org.