Ongoing Initiatives
COMPOST PROGRAM In 2019, we opened an onsite industrial compost facility which composts all pre- and post-consumer foods from Stone Cafeteria. The facility is managed in-house and utilizes food waste, woodchips, and leaf litter to create over 350 metric tons of compost annually. The greenhouse also features small scale composting including bins, a tumbler, and worm composting (vermicomposting).
RAISED BEDS Our custom-designed raised beds ease the strain on gardeners’ backs while allowing us to cultivate excellent soil conditions, free of pest pressure from rabbits and other animals. Constantly in seasonal rotation, the raised beds embody a companion garden philosophy: each bed contains a variety of beneficial plants that work together to provide optimal growing conditions.
BEEKEEPING We host several beekeeping classes each summer at our onsite apiary, managed by Interlochen’s beekeepers. The honeybees provide an important pollination service to our community gardens while also serving as a vital teaching tool on the importance of pollinators in agriculture.
CHICKENS We have chickens onsite that provide our community with fresh eggs and also an important nitrogen-rich source of compost manure. Interlochen Arts Academy students learn about chicken reproduction and anatomy in class and have the opportunity to raise chickens first hand. “I have a special place in my heart for the chickens. I’m one of their primary caretakers in the summer and I love watching the kids interact with them. It’s a joy to see our campers cross the street and get to experience this part of Interlochen.”
IVY L., STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY COALITION PRESIDENT AT INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY
INTERLOCHEN.ORG
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