Ewan Curtis, a fifth grader at Leverett Elementary School, on Monday looks at a baby snapping turtle that had recently hatched from a nest in one of the beds in the greenhouse. The Leverett Education Foundation is raising money for the Greenhouse Program and repairs to the structure.
Ewan Curtis, a fifth grader at Leverett Elementary School, on Monday looks at a baby snapping turtle that had recently hatched from a nest in one of the beds in the greenhouse. The Leverett Education Foundation is raising money for the Greenhouse Program and repairs to the structure. Credit: STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

LEVERETT — The greenhouse at Leverett Elementary School is in line for some much-needed repairs thanks to a successful fundraising campaign.

“We have so far raised over $5,500” for the school’s Greenhouse Program, said Steve Weiss, president of the Leverett Education Foundation.

The foundation is a nonprofit that raises money to support the curriculum and programming at the elementary school. It works closely with the Leverett Elementary School Parent Teachers Association, and last year raised more than $30,000.

Weiss praised the Greenhouse Program, which has been ongoing since 2011.

“We felt it was a really important program,” he said.

However, he also noted that the program “did not have a ready source of funding.”

“After 10 years the greenhouse was in need of repairs,” Weiss said.

The program gives students the opportunity to raise vegetables and herbs that are used in the elementary school’s cafeteria, as well as apply scientific concepts and enjoy learning in an outdoor setting. The program uses both the greenhouse itself and the nature surrounding the school.

The foundation’s fundraiser for the greenhouse began last week, and is set to continue through November. It started with a mum sale, and in addition to individual donations, businesses such as Grass Roots Landscaping, Dean’s Beans and PeoplesBank have contributed.

PeoplesBank provided initial funding for the greenhouse when it was first established.

The fundraiser will also feature an Oct. 23 greenhouse tour and guided nature walk, where people can get to know more about the program and donate to the fundraiser.

Weiss said repairs will involve replacing the plastic on the greenhouse, putting in a new irrigation system, buying seeds and fertilizer, and purchasing field guides and art supplies.

He said that the greenhouse repairs will cost $6,000 to $6,500, and any money raised beyond that amount will be used for other outdoor education programs at Leverett Elementary.

“The outdoor learning programs at the school are rapidly expanding,” Weiss said. He hopes the fundraiser is hoping to raise at least $10,000 total.

Those wishing to donate can go to the foundation’s website at leveretteducationfoundation.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 235, Leverett MA, 01054