Shared from Christian County Public Schools Workforce Programs Specialist, Kelly Gates
Where might one find a farm, in the middle of the city of Hopkinsville that is 70 degrees, 365 days a year…at The Rabbit’s Basket! The Rabbit’s Basket is an innovative, local business where entrepreneurship, agriculture and engineering meet. The Rabbit’s Basket is a 400 square feet, hydroponic, urban farm located at 310 East 25th Street and is owned and operated by Rich and Jenny Maddux. The Rabbit’s Basket uses vertical growing panels, an advanced watering system that consumes 90% less water and compostable growing materials in order to produce lettuces, edible flowers, roots and herbs. The Rabbit’s Basket does not only yield fresh greens for the community, it has also created a work based learning partnership with Christian County Public Schools.
Work based learning is an educational strategy that provides scholars with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic, soft and technical skills to develop their professionalism and employability. The Rabbit’s Basket is providing a place for hands-on, structured training paired with guidance, support, and encouragement to boost competence and character.
This year, The Rabbit’s Basket has employed Jarryd Murphy, a senior at Christian County High School in the Gateway Academy engineering pathway. Each day, Jarryd experiences a unique work based learning scenario as he calibrates sensors and follows specific planting sequences. He also learns about distinctive recycling methods; the excess food is donated to a local food bank. Even the humidity in the air is recycled via the watering system.
The Rabbit’s Basket – YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!
Thank you, Rich and Jenny Maddux at The Rabbit’s Basket. By serving as a host, our scholars are gaining far-reaching knowledge and invaluable experience into the education, attitude and professionalism demanded in the workforce. This partnership delivers a real world extension of learning beyond the bounds of a book or webpage.
Shop at The Rabbit’s Basket! For more information call 270-881-8127.