Concordia College - Moorhead
IN-24: Innovation A

The high tunnel garden is an extension of the campus organic garden, Cornucopia, which has served as an experiential learning site since 2010. The region’s short growing season, however, makes it challenging for students to benefit from it during the academic year. In the spring of 2014, Concordia received a grant to build a high tunnel. Further research showed a solar-heated air system could extend the growing season even longer. Additional funding made it possible. Solar panels capture sun energy that heats air pumped through tile lines underneath the soil. The hoop house structure blocks plants from the harsh elements and uses the sun's rays to create additional natural heat.This combination extends the growing season from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving The mission of the garden is to educate the community about food production that is healthy, environmentally sustainable, and practical in a manner that encourages active engagement to lessen our global footprint. The garden and high tunnel are a focal point for investigation of issues such as urban farming, sustainable food cultivation, and food justice. Faculty arrange for their classes to visit the garden, and the garden is a site for student research projects. Much of what has been harvested, from greens to beans to cucumbers, is donated to the Dorothy Day Food Pantry, the Great Plains Food Bank or Churches United. What is not donated to organizations is given away to community members and friends

https://www.concordiacollege.edu/blog/post/a-year-of-growth-the-high-tunnel-and-garden/ https://www.concordiacollege.edu/news-media/detail/extended-growing-season/