Rice University
Project Details
Education
Where: Houston, TX
Dedication Date: May 4, 2021
Donation Type: Greenhouse; rainwater collection system; solar to power lights, weather, Wi-Fi station, and golf cart charging station; composting, apiary for two bee hives, chicken project house, butterfly garden
Size:
Claim to Fame: Sun Club provides an off-grid solar solution, demonstrate rainwater harvesting and employ a weather station for more efficient use of water resources
Project Overview
The Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden and Sustainable Agriculture Project is a part of the Biosciences Department at Rice University and comprises 2/5 acre, nearly four times larger than previous Rice gardens combined. This teaching garden will be used to share gardening techniques with other nonprofits, community gardens and recreational gardeners.
The garden is designed to serve the entire community, including the Agriculture program, student clubs, garden volunteers and scientists. Garden beds of all shapes and sizes are incorporated to allow for varying abilities such as standing beds for people who prefer not to kneel or bend over and vertical gardens accommodating wheelchair access.
Sun Club donated $77,050 towards the installation of a 20’x20’ greenhouse, rain water collection system, solar power, composting system, apiary for two bee hives, chicken project house, and butterfly garden. These additional elements will further Rice University’s ability to demonstrate the positive impacts gardening has on the ecosystem at large.
