Happy Harvest

23 October 2024Jim Ganley

It has been a very active first six weeks on campus this fall. With the startup of classes, arts, and athletics, as well as the establishment of relationships and routines in the houses, it has been full speed ahead.

The same can be said for Johnny Appleseed and his BEAT assistants. Since the start of school, with the help of the entire Grade 9 class, the cross-country running team, Ella B and her peeps, Mr Norman and Mr Richardson, Ms Sue Schroeder and her livestock, BEAT Captain Ruby Satusky, and BEAT Sponsor Mr. Ganley, we have harvested 1,400 lb of fruit.

While several hundred pounds of damaged fruit have been enjoyed by Ms Schroeder’s cattle and chickens, the vast majority have been enjoyed at the Applefest Brunch – thanks Food Services! – stirred into sauce, baked into pies, enjoyed as snacks, or squeezed into juice and cider.

“Last year I think we harvested about 400 lb” said Mr. Ganley. “I’m thrilled that the pruning that the Environmental Advocacy class has done over the last two years has made these trees much more productive. I’m also very grateful for the students and staff who have assisted with the harvesting.”

Having prevented 1400 lb of fruit from becoming waste, producing GHGs, and attracting bears, BEAT will focus its efforts in October on educating, motivating and activating the school community to prevent food waste on campus, specifically in Crooks Hall and the houses. Ruby and Jamie E, Hope ‘27 kicked things off last Thursday with a very entertaining quiz show about food waste won by Carys G of Hope House.

The BEAT goes on!

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