THE ELLEN DEGENERES URBAN FARM AT WEST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL
CROP PRODUCTION
We grow a variety of crops on the 70 raised beds on our farm during the growing season from April to September. These crops include heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, a variety of hot peppers, herbs, and flowers.
Coming in spring 2023: the greenhouse is on track to be completed in spring 2023. This will enable us to produce food year-round.
The produce grown on the farm is sold at local farmer’s markets in and around Newark. this is done in partnership with the Urban Ag Corp. Some of the produce is donated to the community during our Lights On program. Some of the crops is also utilized in our school’s culinary program.
FRUIT ORCHARD
The orchard on the front lawn of the school is host to a range of fruit trees which include apples, pears, apricots, and fig.
BEE-KEEPING
Bees were introduced into the school garden to aid in pollinating all the plants on site. The bees also serve as a source of honey.
COMPOSTING
The ASP waste compost project helps us recycle organic waste from the school garden and cafeteria. This compost is reused to feed the plants we grow in the garden.
FUTURE PROJECTS:
- GREENHOUSE: A large greenhouse will be constructed on-site during spring of 2023.this will allow for the year-round production of food using hydroponics.
- Future projects for the space include a chicken coop that will house laying hens to provide fresh eggs.
- An expansion to the number of raised beds.