Veterans Greenhouse

One of the oldest URI Master Gardener Program community projects is the operation of a greenhouse at the RI Veterans Home in Bristol, RI. At that facility, Master Gardener volunteers weekly helped resident veterans, many in wheelchairs, to grow vegetables and flowers as physical therapy. The activity gave them something to do, hands-on.When the State of Rhode Island received funding to build a new veterans home on the same site, the old building, along with its outdated wood framed greenhouse was demolished. The new $250 million veterans home was built but there was no provision to include a greenhouse, thus jeopardizing the Master Gardeners’ longest and sole national award winning project. 

One Master Gardener approached the Garden Foundation (then it was known as the Master Gardeners Foundation of RI) seeking help toward building a new greenhouse for the home. The Foundation applied to the Champlin Foundation for a grant. Champlin awarded a $95,000 grant but it soon became apparent with tariff and shipping costs spiraling up, that more money had to be raised. A mail campaign to veteran and police groups as well as veteran families was launched and another $32,500 was raised. 

A skilled group of URI Master Gardeners called Rangers provided all of the unlicensed labor to assemble the greenhouse which arrived in thousands of parts. Some licensed firms provided pro bono or reduced charges to do such things as plumbing, electrical, excavation etc. The greenhouse, valued at $225,000 was completed in late 2019 and turned over to the state. The greenhouse is state of the art, with steel and polycarbonate construction electronically controlled and handicap accessible. Rhode Island combat veterans now have a facility that they can use and enjoy.