Andrews Plans Horticulture Renewal Initiative

To expand experiential learning opportunities

previousnext

The Department of Sustainable Agriculture at Andrews University is developing a multi-phase horticulture renewal initiative designed to expand hands-on student learning, strengthen sustainability education and create new wellness-centered green spaces on campus.

The initiative includes the renovation of an existing greenhouse into a structure designed to support crops during colder seasons, continued use of the department’s smaller winter greenhouse and the planned construction of a new energy-efficient teaching greenhouse. Together, the facilities will provide students with year-round applied plant science education and expanded opportunities for experiential learning.

According to Katherine Koudele, chair of the Department of Sustainable Agriculture, the project builds on the department’s existing experiential learning model already used in its Animal Science Program.

“When the dairy closed in 2018, we were able to convert a number of those buildings into an Agriculture Education Center where students rotate through caring for different species of animals,” says Koudele. “Students gain hands-on experience, but they also learn teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving. We want to extend that same model to the plant side of the department.”

Koudele explains that the renewal initiative seeks to revitalize the Sustainable Horticulture Program while creating facilities that allow students to work year-round. The department’s existing greenhouse will be converted into a cold-frame structure for overwinter crops such as root vegetables, brassicas and leafy greens. A smaller greenhouse currently used for plant propagation and introductory horticulture courses will continue serving students while the department pursues plans for a larger teaching greenhouse.

The proposed teaching greenhouse will feature four climate-controlled sections, including temperate, tropical and desert growing environments, along with a visitor and sensory garden space. Each growing zone will allow students to learn how crops respond to different climates and environmental conditions.

“Our students have gone all over the world working with agriculture and plant production,” shares Koudele. “This greenhouse would allow them to gain experience working in different kinds of climates before they leave campus.”

The facility is also intended to support interdisciplinary collaboration and student wellness initiatives. One section of the greenhouse is planned as a conservatory-style green space. “We’re hoping this can become a place where students can come and enjoy a green environment during the darker winter season,” Koudele says. “There’s growing interest in the idea of nature as medicine and the positive effects green spaces can have on mental well-being.”

The greenhouse design also incorporates sustainability-focused technology, including triple-wall polycarbonate insulation, full-spectrum LED lighting powered by solar energy, drip irrigation systems and integrated pest management methods with minimal chemical inputs.

Koudele says the project aims to continue strengthening Andrews University’s mission of stewardship and sustainability. “Our department motto is ‘Educating Earth’s Caretakers,’” she explains. “Students today are deeply interested in sustainability, creation care and learning how to work more harmoniously with nature. We want to provide them with opportunities to do that here on campus.”

The department has already begun preliminary work on portions of the project, including plans to convert the existing greenhouse and prepare the site for future construction. Faculty members are currently seeking additional donor support and partnerships to help complete the initiative. “We have the land, the facilities and the vision,” Koudele says. “Now we’re looking for partners to help make it possible.”

For further insight into the horticulture renewal initiative or to ask questions, please contact Katherine Koudele at koudelej@andrews.edu. To support the initiative and its future development, please visit the Andrews website.