Who You Gonna Call? The Horticulture Dept.
October 17, 2017
When administrators at Howitt Middle School
in Farmingdale wanted to create a 
“Schoolyard Habitat,” it became apparent that given the size and scope of the project it would need a professional touch. Their first thought was to call FSC’s Department of Urban Horticulture and Design. It was a wise decision.
“By creating this native habitat in our school courtyard, we are excited to develop a trans-disciplinary teaching classroom where students will have access to a local ecosystem,” says Garden Coordinator Carol McGill. “Our hope is that students will connect to their local environment and understand the value of conservation awareness and environmental stewardship. The school faculty and administration are delighted to collaborate with Professor Veracka and his students and to have their expertise to guide us as we embark on this project.”
Now, Professor Michael Veracka and students in HOR 340 are busy creating designs for what will be a sustainable wildlife habitat garden, a home for native insects, butterflies, birds and small wildlife.
Says Veracka: “Students often tell me they appreciate the opportunity to work on real- world issues with real clients. And I feel it enhances their ability to become critical thinkers.”
In addition, Veracka has made the project part of a Student First grant, where students are being mentored and conducting research. Their work will be presented at a conference at FSC next month.
