1. It began over 2 years ago. When the addition to the Golden House was planned, foundational
support for a weighty living roof was factored in. Then, when the Waldorf School’s Fund grant
was secured to purchase sedum plants, the nursery was contacted, and trays of seedlings began to
grow, earmarked for our school. That was how Eileen and Kevin Kelly serendipitously
discovered us. Parents of a 3rd
grader at River Valley Waldorf School, they offered to oversee our
installation pro bono in order to get their LiveRoof certification.
It started to become very real just last Friday. The special, environmentally-sensitive semi-truck
arrived with 360 trays of fully grown sedum plants. Fortunately, one dad brought his forklift to
unload the truck. Thanks to the coordinating efforts of Doug Jackson, over 30 dads and one mom
lifted and carried 22,000 pounds of plants. They worked together seamlessly, like a fireman’s
brigade passing water, and sensed when each other needed to change jobs. Even though it was
heavy work, the dads enjoyed the experience so much that many returned on Sunday to help
again.
Onlookers could see the roof come alive. But more than that, they could see a deepening
community of primarily dads. They developed a real sense of accomplishment with a very
tangible product. Even their children proudly announced that their dad helped with the roof. The
barbeque provided by the staff was full of celebration and camaraderie.
Everyone learned about the roof too – how it lasts 40% longer than a traditional roof, that the
plants help the ozone layer and reduce storm water runoff, that the pleasing colors of the plants
decrease aggressiveness and improve one’s mood, and that it makes the rooms below cooler in
the summer and warmer in the winter. Maintenance? The plants need an inch of rain per month,
or else it needs to be watered. The plants will become dormant in the winter, but still have lovely
color. One person claimed we have the only living roof in New Jersey.
So, there is much more to see and enjoy than just plants as you walk onto campus and the living
roof heralds. There is a whole community that stands behind them.