Old Lyme ― A partnership between the Lyme-Old Lyme schools and local food share gardeners promises renovations to the greenhouse at the middle school.

Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden president Jim Ward said the improvements will allow for hands-on exploration of topics including worm composting and hydroponics. Teachers and students will have access to the greenhouse for classroom use or club projects.

The project will also allow garden volunteers to increase production outside of the summer season. He said the idea for the partnership emerged when he was researching greenhouse options and found the middle school structure in disrepair.

The garden group hopes to cover its $8,000 share of the project, which amounts to about 40% of the overall cost, through private donations and a matching grant from the grassroots Sustainable CT organization.

The upgrades will essentially replace the upper half of the structure, according to Ward. Work will include replacing the roof, sides, and gable end, along with the installation of an exhaust fan and ventilation components. Ward was hopeful the renovations will take place this summer.

Donations can be made by visiting patronicity.com/greenhouserenovation.

e.regan@theday.com