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GreenLab

 

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A Living Lab for Interdisciplinary Learning & Leadership

Established in 2022 through a generous donation from Sprung Structures, the WIC Greenhouse is a vibrant hub for sustainable agriculture, environmental science and interdisciplinary exploration. Spanning 40 x 65 feet, this eco-friendly space serves as the heart of GreenLab, WIC’s innovative program dedicated to community, discovery, creativity and shaping a sustainable future.

By blending hands-on experiences with forward-thinking programming, GreenLab fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a profound connection to the natural world—aligning seamlessly with WIC’s mission to provide meaningful and transformative learning opportunities.

Leading the Way with GreenLab

GreenLab positions WIC as a leader in innovative education, offering a program that stands out amongst Calgary schools. This forward-thinking initiative connects students with their environment, community and real-world challenges, transforming traditional education into a dynamic, hands-on experience.

Here’s what makes GreenLab truly exceptional:

Holiday Market

Experiencing GreenLab

Discover how students and our community bring GreenLab to life through hands-on projects, creative activities and meaningful connections.

Institute Program

Students explore the intricacies of plant propagation, sustainable agriculture and more. Past sessions include diverse topics such as art inspired by natural forms, bees and honey production, agricultural techniques, soil health and water systems.

Students get hands-on experience by planting, harvesting, and even tasting their greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables, connecting learning with real-world applications.

Student-led Club

The Greenhouse Club, a student-led initiative, transforms lunchtime into an opportunity for connection and exploration. Whether planting, caring for greenery, or simply enjoying the calming space, students deepen their understanding of nature and develop a stronger sense of community.

Grade 8 Option Course

Grade 8 students dive into the essentials of agricultural practices through targeted learning opportunities. With project-based learning, local field trips and guest speakers, they explore plant propagation, water systems, soil health and greenhouse design.

The course emphasizes sustainability and productivity, equipping students with the knowledge to manage greenhouse systems effectively.

Pop-up Sales, Markets & Event

GreenLab provides students with opportunities to step into the business world. Students gain entrepreneurial skills by organizing sales, developing marketing strategies and interacting with customers while promoting sustainability.

In 2024, we hosted our first successful Holiday and Mother’s Day Markets.

We look forward to expanding these initiatives to include parent events, wellness initiatives, workshops, art showcases, and more, fostering even deeper connections within the WIC community.

Unique Plant Cultivation

Students cultivate unique and exotic fruits and vegetables, gaining an appreciation for global biodiversity and agricultural practices.

Crops like red cucumbers, Japanese melons, and Horned Jelly Melons from Africa introduce students to cultural traditions and diverse farming techniques, enriching their understanding of global agriculture.

Harvesting Success and Giving Back

In just its second year, the WIC Greenhouse produced over 2,000 pounds of fresh food, with nearly 500 pounds donated to the Calgary Food Bank during the summer. This milestone, achieved using only 60 percent of the available space, demonstrates the potential for even greater contributions in the future.

Through efforts like these, students learn the value of community support, sustainability, and shared responsibility, reinforcing the importance of making a positive impact to the world around them.

Sustainability in Action

At the heart of the greenhouse operation is an emphasis on sustainability. Innovative water-capturing technology collects up to 60 litres from the greenhouse’s atmosphere each day, significantly reducing reliance on city water.

Natural pest control methods, including the use of leafcutter bees for pollination and praying mantises for pest management, create a balanced and eco-friendly environment, giving students a first-hand look at sustainable practices in action.

A space where nature is both teacher and inspiration.

Being part of the first Mother's Day Market was such a fun experience! I learned so much about the plants in the greenhouse, and it was exciting to share what I knew with the shoppers. Talking to people and answering their questions about how to care for the plants really boosted my confidence. I felt proud of everything we had grown and loved seeing how excited people were to take the plants home.
Student
Class of 2028

I’ve always loved gardening in my parents’ backyard, so I was so excited to take the Grade 8 Greenhouse Option course. I’ve learned so much and even started a small herb garden in my bedroom that we’ve been using for dinners! I can’t wait for spring to grow even more plants outside!
Student
Class of 2029

WIC GreenLab is a transformative hub where the greenhouse serves as a classroom, business incubator, community builder and think tank - all enriching the WIC experience. Its first initiative, the Mother’s Day Market, seamlessly blended practical education with environmental responsibility, as students carefully selected flowering plants for their mothers.
Nadine
Class of 2026 Parent

Join us as we continue to grow our future, one idea at a time.

Where Learning Plants Its Roots

Stories from the Den

Meet the Team

Tim Kruchowski

Tim Kruchowski

Greenhouse Manager

GROW OUR FUTURE

Plant the Seeds for Success! 

Apply Today!

students group circle