IRPS is involved in constructing two deep winter greenhouses, one in Babbitt (immediately below), and one at the Rock Ridge school site in midway(see right). Babbitt is finished and ready to use and Rock Ridge is on target for spring 2026 Construction!
Babbitt DWG during construction phase
Funded, in total, by a private individual who wishes Babbitt students to learn to plant and grow and harvest, and all the science that goes with growing food. We ALL thank you!
IRPS Board members tour Babbitt Deep Winter Greenhouse
Rock Ridge Deep Winter Greenhouse ongoing fundraising
Architect’s rendering of the latest version of deep winter greenhouse
Goal: Build a 960 square foot Deep Winter Greenhouse by the fall of 2026 through a partnership with Rock Ridge Public School District 2909 on the new school campus.
What: A Deep Winter Greenhouse uses solar heat generated and stored underground during the day to be recirculated at night, making a cost-effective space to grow plants all winter even in the northern Minnesota.
Why:
Access to fresh nutritious food
· Will be used as a classroom for agricultural, science, business, and culinary education
· Great opportunity for students who do well with experiential, hands-on, project-based learning
· The greenhouse will be used by both high school and elementary school students
· Hundreds of students each year will learn how to grow their own food
· Garden Club and work study
A volunteer led group supported by the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability has raised $120,000 through grants and private donations. We are hoping to raise an additional $25,000 through private donations to help complete building of the greenhouse.
Questions/suggestions: please e-mail Keith Peterson at brittmnpeterson@gmail.comAlso let us know if you know a contractor who would be interested in helping with this project. Thanks for your support!!
