Leaders on Go Greenish have now completed the installation of a garden at Canyon Crest Academy (CCA). Led by director of the program Hana Liu, the team is also funding a garden at Chula Vista High school and further expanding these future-proofed gardens to other schools locally and nationwide through our microgrant program.
The team’s coordinators include Cameron Markstein, Cayla Huang, and Angelina Bobyr.
Liu took over the program in June. Before, the team built and installed electrical systems.
“The gardens project was started last year, but was never completed,” Liu said. “By taking up the program, I wanted CCA to have fresh produce made on campus. Additionally, I thought that aeroponics was a very cool idea that would grow produce more efficiently and with less water use than traditional gardens.”
The Go Greenish Gardens showcase innovative sustainable agriculture through the use of solar-powered aeroponic systems. The system uses up to 95% less water, eliminates the need for soil, reduces fertilizer and pesticide use, and minimizes waste and environmental impact.
“ Our primary mentor was Mrs. Ross, a local high school chemistry teacher,” Liu said. “She had previously built an aeroponic garden and brought her expertise to CCA. We met multiple times throughout the summer, each time troubleshooting the piping and electrical system.”
The team also collaborated with the CCA Robotics team in building the electrical system to convert solar panels to automatic pumps.
The gardens showcase a closed-loop system that represents a more sustainable approach to food production and serves as a model for future environmental initiatives.
“Our garden is doing super well right now by growing two huge tomato plants,” Liu said. “Every two weeks, our team replenishes the water, but otherwise, the garden is fully self-sufficient.”
Liu looks forward to expanding the program to Torrey Pines High School (TPHS) and to schools in New Jersey through Go Greenish members in the state.
“At CCA, we hope to introduce new plants [such as] peas, lettuce and start donating the produce to San Diego Food Bank,” Liu said. More broadly, we want to bring gardens to schools nationwide … In the coming years, I hope this program expands to multiple states.”
As the garden continues to develop, it will provide both educational opportunities and practical benefits for the school community. The fresh produce will also go towards peers and others in need in San Diego.