William D. Jones Community Greenhouse

The Project

The Naropa University Greenhouse Project was initiated by eight students in the fall 2006 Advanced Applied Horticulture class who envisioned a campus that could exemplify alternative food production methods. Excitement grew, and some of those students carried the project beyond the "class project phase,” introducing it to the greater Naropa community. As the buzz spread, members of the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities, Office of University Advancement, Operations and adjunct faculty members signed on to help, making the project a community effort. A site near the Naropa Tea House was chosen for construction of the greenhouse, which was completed in fall 2008.

The Design

After much research, project members settled on a geodesic dome design. Delivered as a kit and assembled on site, the greenhouse is 22 feet in diameter, has an interior area of 379 sq. ft., and reaches a height of 10' 10". In addition, permaculture design philosophy guided construction of the interior. For example, growing space was maximized through stacking methods and self-sufficiency has been achieved via a one thousand gallon aquarium that moderates temperature and provides fertilizer. With the inclusion of a subterranean heating system and solar panels, the structure is 100 percent self-sustaining.

An Expression of Naropa's Commitment

The greenhouse enhances learning opportunities built around horticulture methods, permaculture, ecological system sciences and environmental philosophies such as deep ecology. In addition, it  provides plants for campus landscaping, vegetables for the Naropa Café and seedlings for the Boulder community. As a tangible manifestation of Naropa University’s environmental commitment, the greenhouse inspires the community to both learn more and do more to foster a healthy relationship with nature.

Grand Opening Celebration

The grand opening celebration took place on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. Robert Martin, former national ombudsman for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and chief public advocate of National Environmental Public Advocates, gave a talk entitled “Growing Strong Communities: Lessons from the Naropa Community Greenhouse.” Immediately following his presentation, Mr. Martin accompanied the Naropa community over to the William D. Jones Community Greenhouse for its inaugural celebration. Michael Ricci, Naropa Tea Master, led a formal tea offering that is traditional to honor the local spirits, and the Environmental Studies Department led everyone in a water blessing, song and vine-cutting by Naropa University President Tom Coburn. 

Community Greenhouse Slideshow