Hattie’s Gardens is hosting an aquaponics tour and open house Thurs., Sept. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Old Trail School in Bath, Ohio. Guests and visitors will learn about the closed-loop growing system which combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants with nutrient filled water). The system can support many varieties of crops including strawberries, beans, lettuce, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers. Aquaponics is an extension of the Hattie’s Gardens and Old Trail School partnership that has been operating an organic 11-acre farm on the school’s campus since 2014. Hattie’s Gardens provides work training to adults with developmental disabilities and garden education to Old Trail School students. Hattie’s Café & Gifts will provide refreshments and garden-based snacks. To RSVP, contact Francesca Alex at (330) 274-2272, ext. 3084, or register online at events.hattielarlham.org.

About Hattie’s Gardens

Hattie’s Gardens is a sustainable agriculture garden that grows chemical-free produce for Akron and Northeast Ohio residents. It is also a work training program for people with developmental disabilities. Working with Hattie Larlham job coaches, employees learn soil preparation, proper tool use, crop care and other basic farming techniques.

About Old Trail School

Old Trail School is a co-educational day school educating students in toddler-adult classes through eighth grade. Old Trail School is committed to a dynamic environment of academic excellence, service learning, and global sustainability, creating independent thinkers who are prepared to achieve in high school, college, and life.