Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership serves community with eyes on the future

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Photo courtesy Chad Hodges
Destined for local restaurants, basil and bok choi thrive in the GGP Innovation Dome’s water environment.

By Sally High | Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership

The Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership (GGP), an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Colorado Gives affiliate, manages three dome greenhouses in Pagosa Springs’ Centennial Park. Countless local residents and tourists visit the GGP on the San Juan Riverwalk each year.

Ten years after the grassroots GGP project gained nonprofit status, the volunteer-driven organization demonstrates sustainable year-round vegetable production, renewable energy and water conservation. Truly a partnership, GGP values our numerous relationships in the Archuleta County community, ranging from governments to nonprofits to private businesses to individuals.

The GGP recently installed six informational signs, thanks to a grant from the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board. The six signs describe the unique aspects of the educational park and the GGP’s partnerships. The attractive, permanent additions enhance the landscaping and describe the functions of the three greenhouses — Education Dome, Community Garden Dome and Innovation Dome.

The Education Dome opens to the public Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings. Fresh produce is available for sale to individuals at those times. Garden beds in the Community Garden Dome are tended by community groups that donate vegetables to local food pantries each week. The water-conservative Innovation Dome’s deep-water culture beds grow leafy greens. The aquaponic system demonstrates extreme water savings and a symbiosis between fish and plants.

The GGP’s plans for 2023 include additions to landscaping and heritage gardens. Heritage plantings may contain native plants, edible perennials and seasonal foods that have nourished people in our region for centuries. 

The GGP welcomes art projects and educational gatherings that celebrate our cultural diversity. New growing partners are joining efforts to supply folks with produce year-round. For example, Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), revitalized under new management, has adopted a bed in the Community Garden Dome.

The Weminuche Audubon Society, Audubon Rockies and Pagosa Springs Rotary Club magnify the GGP’s efforts to beautify our Riverwalk. The flourishing Terry Hershey Native Plants Garden is maintained by local Audubon members. The Rotary Garden is fully planted with perennials. GGP volunteers and Rotarians tend the xeric demonstration Rotary Garden.

The GGP’s ninth Environmental Film Festival will be April 15, 2023. GGP invites Four Corners-wide attendees to Pagosa Springs to view high-quality, first-run documentaries from around the world and to join our conversations about environmental issues.

Be a part of the ongoing operations of the GGP. “Give where you live” by donating to GGP through Colorado Gives. Visit coloradogives.org/geothermalgreenhousepartnership. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible. To volunteer, email the GGP at ggp@pagosagreen.org.

GGP is “growing food and community with local energy.” We’ll see you on the Riverwalk.