Student Organization at Central Westmoreland Leading Educational Landscaping Project
A student organization at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center is taking the lead in a landscaping project aimed at beautifying the school grounds. The project, led by the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, will not only enhance the appearance of the campus but also create a unique educational installation. Under the guidance of adviser Dan Overdorff, the students are developing a three-tiered, pump-driven exterior waterfall that will feed into a koi pond and provide irrigation for nearby vegetation. The project, known as Phoenix Falls, is named after the school’s mascot.
Phoenix Falls: A Sustainable Aquaponics Installation at New Stanton School
The landscaping project at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center aims to create a sustainable aquaponics installation. Aquaponics is a technique that uses the beneficial exchange between fish and plants to support healthy growth. The koi pond will not only serve as a beautiful feature but also play a vital role in sustaining the plants around it. The pond will have lily pads, which will encourage the growth of algae. The waterfall will continuously cycle the water, helping to maintain its quality. Waste products from the koi will be converted by beneficial bacteria into essential nutrients for the adjacent plants. Heating elements will ensure the survival of the koi during cold winters, and a hose will supplement water levels during drought conditions.
Enhancing Beauty and Sustainability: Landscaping Project Benefits Students and Community
The landscaping project at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center will not only enhance the beauty of the school grounds but also provide practical experience for the students. The project will showcase the agriculture and landscape design program, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and holistic education. The installation will serve as a showpiece for the school’s horticulture class, which has expanded its focus to include landscape design and installation. The project will also contribute to stormwater management and erosion prevention, benefiting the entire community.
Future Farmers of America Chapter Creates Living Educational Installation
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center is playing a pivotal role in the development of the landscaping project. This student organization, consisting of about 50 members, is known for its active involvement in various agricultural projects. The FFA chapter’s first major project was designing a gateway garden at a local high school stadium. With the Phoenix Falls project, the FFA members are taking their skills and knowledge to the next level. They are not only creating a beautiful landscaping feature but also learning about sustainable practices and aquaponics.
Waterfall and Pond Project Receives Grant, Set to Begin this Spring
The landscaping project at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center has received a significant boost through a matching $25,000 Agriculture & Youth Grant funded by the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. This grant will support the development and implementation of the Phoenix Falls project. In addition to the grant, the project is seeking donations of materials and technical assistance from local businesses. Construction is set to begin this spring and is expected to be completed by the following school year. The project has garnered excitement among the students, staff, and community, who are eagerly awaiting the transformation of the school grounds into a sustainable and educational oasis.
(Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area, and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.)
Analyst comment
Positive news: The student organization at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center is leading a landscaping project that aims to beautify the school grounds and create a unique educational installation. The project, known as Phoenix Falls, will feature a three-tiered, pump-driven exterior waterfall that will feed into a koi pond and provide irrigation for nearby vegetation. This project will enhance the beauty of the school grounds, provide practical experience for students, and contribute to stormwater management and erosion prevention, benefiting the entire community.
As an analyst, I predict that the market for landscaping and sustainable practices will see an increase in demand due to the success and positive impact of the Phoenix Falls project. Local businesses may also benefit as they contribute materials and technical assistance to the project. Overall, this news is positive and indicates a growing focus on sustainable and educational landscaping practices.
