It's Not Easy Being Green

High Tunnel green house

It's Not Easy Being Green

Spring 2017- Landscape + Produce
Jeremy Springston, Josh Wells, Nathan Schadle, and Kyle Voon

Project Overview

Four senior, Mechanical Engineering students were contracted by the UCCS Farm to eliminate two barriers to year-round produce growth and preservation of outdoor plants. First, a solar shield was developed and built to maintain the High Tunnel's interior temperature at a level conducive to year-round growth, allowing the Farm to maintain a consistent supply of produce to Food and Dining Services department. Second, an anti-hail barrier was constructed that covers plants kept outside to protect them from the hail experienced during the spring and summer growing seasons. The project's overall goal was to support the Farm in its mission to provide the UCCS campus community with sustainable, low-cost, and organic sources of food.