Students will soon be using new aquaponic system

Mercer Island High School horticulture and marine science teacher Elysse Forester spent this summer building and collaborating with The Aquaponic Source’s Mike Crescitelli to bring a top-of-the-line aquaponic system to the Crest Learning Center greenhouses this year. The system will allow for a seamless integration of fish and plants in the greenhouses, opening the door for many hands-on lessons and experiences. According to the school district’s website, the horticulture program is a career and college readiness course, a science lab and a Crest course. Students maintain their own garden plot around the Crest Learning Center and produce their own crops for the annual plant sale. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District