FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Academy has announced the recent installation of a gravity-fed irrigation system, donated by Poland Spring.

On May 24, Poland Spring Natural Resource Manager Mark Dubois, along with his team, Mark Laplante, Ed Luetje and Poland Spring summer intern Mary Everette, were on-hand to speak with students about the art of well drilling.

“The percussion method, which we are using at Fryeburg Academy to install the irrigation well, is one of the earliest drilling techniques, dating back as far as 4,000 years ago,” said Dubois. “The Chinese utilized this method to drill wells that would have otherwise taken generations to complete. It is very proficient, and these methods are still being used today.”

The partnership between Poland Spring and Fryeburg Academy on this recent project is part of the academy’s long-term initiative to expand the school’s agriculture program by creating more sustainable garden-to-table dining opportunities and farm education.

“Given the academy’s history in dairy farming and agriculture, we are very pleased to develop this program further. The campus will benefit from growing our own fresh produce, and it will help teach our students the importance of environmental sustainability,” said Erin P. Mayo, head of school.

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