In 2013, a group of sustainability studies students at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs gathered to brainstorm ideas for a permaculture haven on campus. During that session, Natalie S suggested transforming a sunny old soccer field into a solar greenhouse.
A decade later, this haven has become the well-known Bear Park Permaculture Center, fostering sustainable education, creativity, and social inclusivity. One of the main focal points of this project is a 1,400-square-foot Growing Dome Greenhouse installed in 2020.
We had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Dr. Tina Evans, Professor of Sustainability Studies and Faculty Director at the Steamboat Springs campus, who provided insightful details about the Growing Dome project.
Going Beyond the Ordinary
At Growing Spaces, we always emphasize that nearly any environment can be created within a Growing Dome. CMC set out to create a Mediterranean-like environment in their dome. To make this happen, they enlisted Jerome Osentowski and Michael Thompson from Eco Systems Design, who actively worked on enhancing the Growing Dome’s innovative climate control features.
Climate Control Magic:
Eco Systems Design started by determining the necessary heat for the dome. This step allowed them to design and install the appropriately sized climate battery.
Picture a network of four-inch tubes snaking five feet down, filled with air that circulates and warms naturally. Imagine these tubes nestled between layers of earth, like a thermal blanket for the dome. Two large, clear tubes reach near the dome’s peak, drawing warm air like chimneys while fans gently push this warmth back down through the layers, creating a natural convection loop.
In addition to the climate battery, they added extra insulation to the foundation and lower walls, installed a misting system, and two ceiling-mounted electric heaters. All these elements — the climate battery, side vents, misters, and heaters — are managed by a Wadsworth Controls system with four relays. Furthermore, they added a ceiling fan that operates on a separate thermostat and a vestibule entryway.
Dr. Evans also stated that they “installed two grate-covered inner doors so that we can prop the outer doors open daily or all the time in the summer months. These allow pollinators in and keep big wildlife out.”
What’s Growing
The innovative features of the dome maintain temperatures above freezing, achieving summer highs in the mid-90s during the day and 40s-60s at night, while winter temperatures range from the 60s to 40s, greatly influenced by sunshine. On a sunny day in the winter, it can reach the 80s.
Their raised beds are built of stone in concentric circles designed by students in advance to be ADA-compliant and accessible. It was important that the greenhouse be inclusive and inviting to everyone.
The team has successfully grown crops like figs, grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, nasturtium, chard, and peppers. This year alone, the gardens produced 111 pounds of tomatoes and 69 pounds of figs through September. The team distributes the food to students, other greenhouse visitors, and workers. They have also contributed to CMC’s food pantry and Lift-Up food bank.
A Hub of Learning
Many might say that the fig tree gifted to CMC by Jerome Ostentowski is one of the best things growing in the greenhouse, but after talking with Dr. Evans, we would say that it’s the community—the people. This project is utilized by many on campus and within the community. The Growing Dome is a living classroom for students in Botany, SUS 1001, Business Planning, Art, and Writing for SUS., and Environmental Science studying soils.
“We teach a two-course permaculture design certification program every summer that requires about a week each in residency, mostly at Bear Park, and we often offer part one in the fall as well. These are open to community members. Just reach out to me about it. We work with both indoor and outdoor space.”
Dr. Tina Evans, Professor of Sustainability Studies and Faculty Director
Funding the Green Dream
The cost for a dream project like this is high, given that CMC made a lot of modifications and additions. CMC has an anonymous donor who gave $100,000, the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, YVEA, and internal funding to thank.
However, it was clear that the dedicated staff and volunteers made the Growing Dome and all of BPPC possible. The greenhouse employs 6-9 students at any given time, essential both for the greenhouse’s success and for the students, given the high living costs in Steamboat Springs.
“Students love the space. It creates a sense of wonder and peace. Especially students who work there. They become very attached to it and often keep their jobs for multiple years.”
Dr. Tina Evans, Professor of Sustainability Studies and Faculty Director
Reflecting and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her time with the project, Dr. Evans offers some valuable advice. She emphasizes the importance of creating a beautiful greenhouse, as this attracts people. She suggests growing surprising elements like a fig that people can taste and experience, creating fond memories and a desire to return. Sharing abundance with others fosters joy, wellness, and connection.
Dr. Evans also advises using art and multilingual communication to engage a diverse range of people in creativity and playfulness, stimulating their imagination about designing practical and beautiful spaces and building enriching community relationships. Organizing events and educational opportunities can enhance this experience.
She recommends purchasing a 12 ft. and a 16 ft. orchard ladder from Forestry Suppliers Company. It is beneficial when growing trees or tall, trellised vines to provide more natural shade.
The future of Bear Park is bright! The Steering Committee’s current focus is on the following projects:
- Strings garden tours for two years (400+ attendees)
- Caitlin Geppert’s sustainability capstone research
- RMYC
- Boys and Girls Club
- Girl Scouts
- Youth summit on campus
- A developing youth ed project focused on sustainability
- Donation of greens to Lift Up. CMC donated 75 lbs in their first year of growing.
- People visiting on their own and volunteering: women’s cycling group, families, elder residents from a local facility.
They also plan to build a solar array to offset the greenhouse heaters’ electric footprint fully.
An Invitation to Experience Sustainability
BPPC welcomes everyone to visit and experience this model of sustainable education. Whether you’re a student, local resident, or just passing through, Bear Park offers a unique glimpse into the possibilities of sustainable living and community. Anyone is invited to tour the outdoor gardens from sunrise to sunset. Personalized tours of the greenhouse can be arranged.To learn more contact Quincee Cotton at qcotton@coloradomtn.edu. You can also support the bear park permaculture program by making a donation to the Colorado Mountain Foundation.
