High school horticulture: inspiring the next generation, one teen at a time with Darren Schmahl

As students head back to school this month, many are probably wondering what they should be “when they grow up.” While plenty of adults are still trying to figure that out, high schoolers have a great opportunity to explore different topics before planning their post-secondary path. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a garden path.

In this episode, we talk about how exposure to horticulture and landscaping at the high school level can inspire youth to explore the green trades as a career option. Guest Darren Schmahl has been engaging grade 11 and 12 students through the Green Industries program for the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the past 15 years. Teaching has allowed Schmahl to witness students of all kinds transform as they discover a passion for working in the landscape, so he wants youth and their parents to understand that a career in this field can be rewarding, lucrative and important as we face an ever-changing climate.

Resources
Episode Transcription
Niagara Catholic District School Board SHSM
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
John Brookes book, Room Outside
Elliot Alkemade Young Scholarship Profile
Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation Scholarships
Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show & Conference
Landscape Ontario Youth Engagement Coordinator: 1-800-265-5656 x2335