CTC Green Roofs students will display at CelEARTHbration Nov. 13

Photo: Bejie Herrin, the class's instructor, explaining to two of her students what types of plants work best for green roof projects.

(Media release) Most people don't look at the roof of a house as a great place to grow plants and other vegetation, but a group of Chattahoochee Technical College students are singing the praises of the latest trend. The students of the CTC Green Roofs class will be displaying their own version of a green roof at the CelEARTHbration event at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. The free event is scheduled for Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We aren't just talking about roof tops that are green in color," said Bejie Herrin, environmental horticulture instructor at CTC. "Green roofs are building roofs that are at least partially covered with vegetation.　 They are natural insulators, reducing cooling costs and helping to manage storm water.　 A green roof can provide a restful retreat for people and animals, they also improve air quality and help reduce the urban heat island effect caused by cities absorbing and trapping heat."

The students have been working to build a smaller example of the concept in their Thursday night class. For the annual eco family event, they will display a dog house with its own green roof and other demonstration material. Many of the students will also be on hand to explain the benefits of the design, including rainwater absorption, insulation, habitat for wildlife, and lowering urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect. The whole project – from concept to construction – is student driven, according to Herrin.

"The CelEarthbration is an opportunity for local vendors to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable practices that are available," said Environmental Horticulture Instructor Shane Evans,.　 "Portions of this mirror what we offer in our Environmental horticulture program; water usage, plant material selection, integrated pest management, and soil conservation."

For more information on the Environmental Horticulture Program, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.