Vincent Leibell Environmental Education Area Grows at BHS

Eric Gross These four co-eds study plant life up close and personal inside the new facility. A grant obtained by State Senator Vincent Leibell for the Brewster School District has begun paying dividends.

Last Friday morning, shortly after 8am, students from Robert Leonard’s environmental science class at Brewster High School trekked to the garden located at the rear of the school’s sprawling campus and planted several autumn plants within the enclosed facility.

BHS Principal Matt Byrnes explained that two years ago the school began its environmental education program: “The idea is for students to learn fundamental knowledge and skills during the first year of courses while interning during the second year by completing a series of projects relating to environmental concerns.”

The garden area contains planting boxes where students do their experimentation. An adjacent area that fronts a stream has been cleared, allowing teens to conduct water study and forestry-type work.

The school’s Life Skills class is also using the classroom without walls to study gardening and herbs.

Byrnes had special praise for Senator Leibell, who two years ago garnered a $50,000 grant from the State Senate, allowing the project to proceed.

Byrnes said the environmental education area will be formally dedicated later in the school year.

—Eric Gross