COMMUNITY GARDEN

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Started in 2000, Earth Conservancy’s Community Garden gives area residents a place to practice sustainable gardening, as well as to work hard, socialize, and reconnect to nature.

From the beginning, Earth Conservancy has consistently supported a “triple bottom line,” i.e., a desire to improve the economy, the environment, and the communities in which we work. EC’s community garden grew out of this philosophy, not only benefiting residents’ well-being, but also making good, environmentally-friendly use of former coalmining lands. EC established the garden in 2000 on property designated for agricultural use and leased to a local farmer. In the first year, approximately 20 plots were filled. By 2001, the number of plots had nearly doubled, and a waiting list was in effect. Since that time, the garden has been an annual fixture in EC’s schedule, generally running from mid-May to October, with participants returning year after year. A variety of crops are planted, although occasionally an ornamental flower blooms. Plots and water are free of charge.

Registration for EC’s Community Garden is OPEN. To request information or a plot for 2023, please email Elizabeth W. Hughes, EdD.