The MERSD orchard behind the Middle High School is now complete. Green Team students under the direction of Nils Taylor and Lars Birkeland have completed the installation of fruit trees and berry bushes. The orchard will supply the cafeteria with fresh fruit and berries starting in the spring and fall of next year. The initial concept was to have a zero-emissions source (Zero Carbon) of fresh food, grown onsite, for the students and faculty to have incorporated into the lunch offerings by the Cafeteria staff. The Manchester arborist, Tom Henderson, has already done one seminar to show students how to properly take care of the trees. The planted fruit trees range from a variety of apples, pears, and plums. The berries are several blueberry varieties, thorn-less blackberries and raspberries. All of the plants were supplied by Wolf Hill garden Center and Corliss Brothers Nursery. All funding for the orchard was through the Spaulding Education Fund. Through the generosity of the community partners and the efforts of the Green Team students, this project is now complete.
