The Troy Howard Middle School Project

Belfast Garden Club’s March Meeting and Program, The Troy Howard Middle School Project – Free, All are welcome!

Belfast Garden Club’s public monthly meeting and speaker series continues March 18th, featuring a presentation- The Troy Howard Middle School Project, with coordinator and educator Jon Thurston. The program is free and the public is encouraged to attend. The brief club meeting begins at 1pm. Join us for refreshments from the hospitality committee at 1:45pm, the speaker will begin at 2 p.m. The afternoon meeting and program take place at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Parish House, 95 Court St., Belfast.

From THMS:  Our mission is to create a district-wide agricultural project that promotes healthy living. At the Troy Howard Middle School we strive to integrate the school and its land with the community. Our goal is to engage all students in a journey of discovery through gardening projects that achieve learning in Maine science, math, technology and social studies, produce nutritious food and pioneer action-research for sustainability. At the heart of the gardening program are the young people excited by making a real difference in their school and community.
Jon Thurston is the Agriculture Coordinator for RSU20, with an extensive background in numerous agricultural areas.   Since 1974, he has spent 2 years with the Peace Corps in the Philippines, working in fisheries extension; 7 years with the USDA in California in aquatic weed control research; hydroponic greenhouse work in Searsmont; and 19 years teaching biology, earth science and horticulture at Medomak Valley High School, where he co-founded the MVHS Heirloom Seed Project. At THMS, he directs the operation and the students in the 22,000 square foot gardens and the greenhouses. Jon is active with other related community organizations and agencies, has generously opened the THMS gardens for our Open Garden Days for several years in a row.

The Belfast Garden Club has promoted the knowledge and love of gardening and civic beautification since 1929. They maintain 12 gardens around the city each year, host Open Garden Days garden tours during the summer, and support education through donations to the Belfast Free Library, Troy Howard Middle School Garden Project, and an annual education scholarship. Each meeting of the Belfast Garden Club is open to the public. The club welcomes new members and volunteers year round.