August 26, 2025
Ignite Interns Plant the Future with Fort Andrew Greenspace
The new Fort Andrew greenspace represents more than just a physical addition to the site, it’s a symbol of growth, collaboration, and forward-looking innovation. Designed by our 2024-2025 Ignite Interns as a destination to bring people together in a setting that balances nature with creativity, the new space underscores the CMI2 commitment to spark innovation in the next generation.
Located near the new Command Center construction at the CMI2 Adaptive Experimentation Facility at Fort Andrew, there’s a greenspace blossoming into a hub of life and collaboration. Four raised beds already produce peppers, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes, while future plans include fruit trees, wildflower gardens, and even a beekeeping area.
As the project lead, Operations Intern Gracie Johnson explained why it was important for her to see this project completed at Fort Andrew.
“When you mix all kinds of plants together, the whole garden thrives. We wanted visitors to have a place to slow down in the middle of this innovation-driven space,” Johnson said. “A garden’s mix isn’t that different from what happens when people with different ideas come together, and it makes everything stronger and sparks real innovation.”
From Clay County High School to Fort Andrew
The inspiration for the green space development at Fort Andrew can be traced back to Johnson’s earlier work with the Blue and Green Space at Clay County High School (CCHS). That initiative, designed by members of the GEN C group in collaboration with Georgetown University, CMI2, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), the Clay County Health Department, Project Aware, CCHS Carpentry students, and Clay County Schools, created a vibrant outdoor environment for students.
The CCHS space includes picnic tables, outdoor games like cornhole and Connect 4, open-air whiteboards for instruction, and flower beds that are refreshed each year with new plantings. Learn more about the impact of the Georgetown University Berkely School of Nursing in this article.
Growing Together: The Fort Andrew Green Space
Just as the CCHS Blue and Green Space project encouraged students to combine learning with creativity, the Fort Andrew greenspace carries that same spirit of collaboration and growth into the broader community that CMI2 has followed since it was established in Clay County.
Reflecting the interns’ technical skills, creativity, and dedication, the Fort Andrew green space initiative highlights their commitment to sustainability, community pride, and hands-on innovation according to Walter Hatfield, Vice President of Training and Experimentation for CMI2.
“This project is more than just planting flowers and vegetables, it’s about working together and building pride in our impact on this community and this space that we occupy,” Hatfield said. “Every shovel of dirt and every board nailed into place showed teamwork, creativity, and heart. Gracie led this effort for us, but every intern involved came together to make it happen.”
The Fort Andrew initiative embodies the CMI2 core values of hands-on engagement and meaningful collaborations. By blending technical skills and creativity the interns behind the greenspace are cultivating more than plants, they are working to spark innovation.
“The new green space is a reminder that when people come together with good ideas, great things can grow,” Hatfield said.
Looking ahead, CMI2 plans to collaborate with other sustainable initiatives to build and maintain the space.
Photo Gallery
