McDONALD – Food scarcity during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the search for a solution, ultimately leading to construction of a geothermal greenhouse in McDonald that will supply fresh produce year-round for residents of Cheyenne and Rawlins counties.

McDonald Community Development board members visited a geothermal greenhouse in Alliance, Neb., and became convinced of the potential of such a facility to cost-effectively provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the community.

A block of unutilized land in McDonald was purchased from the city for construction of the greenhouse, with the hope that the operation will ultimately be self-sustaining. A water detention pond onsite, as well as a rain roof and water collection system, is expected to provide most of the water needed, and sales of produce will underwrite operating costs. Installation of solar panels is planned to make the facility fully sustainable. Grant funds helped underwrite some of the costs of constructing the facility.

The plan is to lease space to local growers and sell the produce locally.