Article and photo by Renata Haidle 

Imagine a futuristic indoor garden where plants grow on white cylindrical towers that reach for the sky in spiraled rows that maximize space. The plants are watered and nourished by a pump system that runs on collected rainwater. The plants look vibrant and lush under the glass ceiling, the entire space bathed in sunlight. It sounds a bit sci-fi, doesn’t it? It is, however, as real as it gets; at St. John's United in downtown Billings, the future is already here.  

The Urban Horticulture Education Center, better known as the St. John’s Greenhouse at Gainan Commons, is the final product of my Platinum Project,” says Hayden Trost, who was instrumental in the development and implementation of this innovative project. “The Platinum Program, an extracurricular through School District 2, allows students to take on a Magnum Opus Capstone project to go alongside an extensive academic record. The project was designed to push students outside of their comfort zone by creating a community project or completing research.”  

How did a high school student come up with such an ambitious idea, and how did she get it done? “I knew this was the perfect time to approach the organization I had volunteered with for several years - St. John’s United," Hayden explains. “I first approached the organization’s Volunteer Coordinator and Grant Writer, Carissa Welsh, with the idea of creating a community garden on the main campus. They loved the concept but encouraged me to take it one step further and reopen their vacant greenhouse space to create a year-round growing environment.”  

Once the vision was clearly formulated, the work began. The main idea was for the greenhouse to become a space to grow vegetables aeroponically. Aeroponics is a modern, environmentally friendly gardening technique that is based on vertical growing. No soil is required, the roots are suspended in the air, and the plants are being fed via a nutrient-rich mist. The ultimate goal for the greenhouse was not simply to grow produce but to deliver it to St. John’s campuses and make it available to serve in their dining rooms. Furthermore, Hayden wanted to encourage intergenerational connections between senior residents at St. John’s United and Billings School District 2 students in a partnership that allows students to explore applied education outside the typical classroom. 

Hayden presented the proposal to the St. John’s United Board at their annual strategic retreat. “After their approval,” she says, “I presented it to the School District Board in a public meeting. After addressing questions, permissions were obtained, and the real work began, raising the funds to renovate and equip the project. I knew as a high school student that this was bigger than myself. With the help of the St. John’s Director of Grants and their Director of Donor Relations and Annual Fund we raised the needed funds through grants, giving campaigns, and outreach.”  

Billings architect Randy Hafer, a well-known specialist in environmental sustainability, volunteered to assist with the project. He helped design a system for rainwater collection, which includes seven 1,100-gal tanks to store water year-round. The rainwater gets mixed with nutrients and is used to feed the plants.  

“My once dream is now a reality,” says Hayden, “with vegetables growing alongside relationships between students and elders. The greenhouse is a part of SD2’s new career and technical education platform called Future Ready. In this program, interested students can work and learn in the space for high school credit. We have also worked with the district's Frameworks and Special Education departments. 

Additionally, younger classes can use the space as an educational field trip destination. We try to prioritize having students and elders from St. John’s in the space together. I know how important those connections can be firsthand, as my grandma is a resident of Mission Ridge. So, I’m proud to say that not only do plants grow in the greenhouse, but so do community connections.” 

After the project was completed, Hayden acted as interim greenhouse manager for a few months last summer, subsequently training the current manager, Cassie Crafton. “After three years of working on the project,” Hayden says, “I was proud to leave this greenhouse behind as a sustainable space for education, innovation, and human connections. Looking back on my Platinum Project experience, I am grateful for the support I had. The greenhouse would not have been possible without St. John’s United, the School District, and local community members.”  

Hayden's vision, nurtured by a supportive community, has taken root. The Urban Horticulture Education Center stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and, most importantly, the power of human connection. It's living proof that students, educators, and community members can come together to cultivate a brighter future, one seed at a time.  SLM

Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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