Community generosity is helping a historic learning space flourish once again
For decades, the expansive greenhouse at Thurston High School has quietly supported hands-on learning for generations of students. Built in the 1970s, it has served as an outdoor classroom where students explored forestry, environmental science, agriculture, horticulture, and career technical education while developing practical skills they could carry into college, careers, and life.
Over time, however, the greenhouse began showing its age. Although the structure remained solid, failing irrigation, ventilation, heating, and aging infrastructure limited its use and threatened the future of the many programs that depended on it.
Today, thanks to an extraordinary partnership between Thurston High School, Springfield Public Schools, the Springfield Education Foundation (SEF), and a family foundation, that greenhouse is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
SEF received a grant on behalf of Thurston High School for $26,553 to fully revitalize the school’s greenhouse, ensuring this unique learning environment can continue serving students for years to come.
This project was made possible through the dedication of a passionate team of educators and administrators who shared a vision for restoring one of Thurston’s most valuable educational resources. Principal Kimberlee Pelster, Learning Specialist Annin Ramsing-Nissen, Forestry and Watershed Teacher Andrew Petersen, Assistant Principal Leslie Watson, Science Teacher Ryan Herlands, and Career & Technical Education Teacher on Special Assignment Stacey Tuers worked collaboratively along SEF staff to develop the proposal that secured this investment.
The renovated greenhouse will once again become a hub of hands-on learning for multiple programs across campus.
Students in Thurston’s Natural Resources and Forestry Career Technical Education pathway will investigate topics including tree regeneration, erosion prevention, wetland restoration, soil science, irrigation, plant nutrition, fruit tree grafting, and sustainable resource management. These authentic learning experiences prepare students for postsecondary education while building skills that are directly applicable to Oregon’s forestry and natural resource industries.
The greenhouse also plays an important role in supporting students receiving special education services. Students in the Vocational Skills and Life Skills programs gain valuable workplace experience by sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, watering plants, composting, maintaining the greenhouse, and preparing plants for the annual community plant sale. Along the way, they develop job readiness, independence, teamwork, and confidence that will support their transition into future employment and adult life.
Additional student groups also benefit from the greenhouse. Thurston’s Child Development Center grows flowers that preschool students proudly take home to their families, while the Environmental Club is planning future projects including a campus composting program and a native pollinator garden.
The renovation itself will include new exterior walls and roofing, upgraded electrical systems, improved ventilation, year-round plumbing, an irrigation system, refreshed flooring, storage improvements, and extensive cleanup, creating a modern, functional space that can support instruction throughout the year.
As construction moves forward, the project will become a true community effort. Thurston educators will work alongside Educational Assistants, support staff, and the Springfield Public Schools Facilities team to breathe new life into this decades-old campus landmark.
SEF is also expanding the impact of the project through an Innovative Educator Grant awarded to Annin Ramsing-Nissen for six new greenhouse garden beds. Two of the raised beds will be fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, allowing even more students to participate in growing flowers and vegetables while learning valuable horticultural skills.
When SEF learned that they received the grant, staff couldn’t resist celebrating in a memorable way. Representatives from the granting foundation, members of the SEF Board of Directors, Springfield Public Schools leadership, and special guest, Jeff Sherman, surprised the Thurston team during a staff meeting to share the exciting news.
The celebration included another meaningful surprise. Jeff Sherman presented Andrew Petersen with a Frank Sherman Grant to support the “Youth Wilderness Experience Project”, a three-day wilderness learning experience taking place this August that allows students to apply classroom skills in navigation, forestry, wilderness safety, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Seeing Jeff and Andy reconnect after many years made the celebration even more special, highlighting the lasting relationships and shared commitment that continue to strengthen educational opportunities for Springfield students.
Projects like the Thurston High School Greenhouse demonstrate what is possible when educators dream boldly, community partners invest generously, and organizations work together toward a common goal. As the renovations begin, SEF extends their sincerest thanks to the MillsDavis Foundation for their generous investment in this project. Soon, the greenhouse will once again be filled with more growing plants, more curious students, and more meaningful learning experiences, cultivating not only the next generation of forests and gardens, but also the next generation of scientists, skilled professionals, environmental stewards, and community leaders.
YOU can support this important project and more, continuing our mission of “empowering student success” by donating to the Springfield Education Foundation.
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