The Roots in Rico Greenhouse Project is the centerpiece of the Green Rico Organization's sustainable living program. The green house will be roughly 1500 square feet, managed by a full time paid employee and will provide produce for at least 250 town residents. The Roots in Rico Greenhouse Project has been APPROVED in the Rico Master Plan. Check back for location and project details!  It will provide numerous educational opportunities to the local and surrounding communities and serve as a “how to” for communities world wide. We hope that the greenhouse becomes a critical learning tool for the growing Rico Elementary School by offering courses ranging from organic growing, art and business skills for Rico students. We are focusing on a patch of land in the planned River Corridor Park that lies between the planned municipal hot springs and a planned off-channel fishing pond. The Rico Planning Commission expressed a strong interest in the greenhouse being a part of the River Corridor Master Plan and GRO and is in the process of creating a conceptual plan for the area.  Our goal is to be breaking ground in 2007.

Our Greenhouse Vision

The Round Mountain Greenhouse in Crested Butte, Colorado is our Dream Greenhouse. Built with Subterranean Heating and Cooling System (SHCS) by Nancy Wicks in 2000, this classic style of solar greenhouse was constructed with the help of Jay Miller of Viridian Builders Inc. It sits at 8000 ft above sea level, encloses 2592 sq. ft., includes a SHCS ferrocement beds, and 5000 gallons of water for solar heat storage. Growing Concerns Unlimited, GCU, provides system designs and schedules of materials for Subterranean Heating and Cooling System for solar greenhouses. Their package deal includes a custom CAD drawn design with piping layouts, equipment schedule, electrical schematics and email support. With an efficient SHCS, you can heat a solar green house in USDA Zone 4 for as little as 7 cents per square foot per year!

Committee Members
Tara Barnett, Educational Programs

Advisors
Kris Holstrum, Tomten Institute
M’Lissa Story, Green Media Works

"Grow, Eat and Buy Locally"