Home > Success Stories

Success Stories

Community Gardens in the Lehigh Valley

Our region is blessed with the wisdom of many successful community gardens as well as the energy and enthusiasm of new gardens which are forming this season. Here are a few that we've met along the way. If you'd like to add your story to our list, email us at info@sunlv.org

Chestnut Street Community Garden: First Ward, Allentown

(Community Development and Revitalization)

The Chestnut Street Garden is located in the First Ward of the City of Allentown. The City of Allentown, the Redevelopment Authority, and Weed and Seed began planning the Garden in 2005. Weed and Seed is a Federal and State initiative, focusing on revitalization, safety, improved quality of life, and community development. The property was owned by the city and transferred to ownership by the City Parks and Recreation, which assists with maintenance.

The goal of the Garden is to revitalize and promote a neighborhood community. Weed and Seed has partnered with First Ward residents, neighbors, the Housing Association and Development, the City and Penn State Master Gardeners.

The residents are supportive and interested in the garden. Presently, the Garden is agency/government-driven. The goal is to involve residents who will lead decision-making, cultivation, and up-keep on the garden. The city is working to create a gardening agreement to address rules of use, maintenance of individual plots and of the property collectively, and a small membership fee.

Presently, there are eight plots, seven of which are in use. The remaining plot has been reserved for a project of Harrison Morton, a neighborhood middle school. Residents are free to plant vegetables, plants, or flowers.

The City and Health Bureau have been strong supporters, financially and with in-kind services. A water line was put in. The garden, however, still requires electricity and security.

There are plans to decorate the garden walls with murals and to build a pavilion for recreational use, gardening classes, and other activities.

Green Legacy Garden, Easton

(Education)

ProJeCt of Easton, Inc. is an organization devoted to helping people help themselves. ProJeCt offers adult and family literacy programs and teaches skills necessary for individuals to become active members in their families and communities. To develop these life skills, ProJeCt has created a hand-on community garden, the Green Legacy Garden, to further develop these skills. Presently, six members of the ProJeCt personnel assist the garden.

The goal of this garden is to educate. Approximately 30-35 students of ProJeCt cultivate and manage the organization's 1/8 acre Garden. There are 12 beds for vegetables. The students manage the garden collectively as an urban farm. The garden is located on property owned by ProJeCt at the Fowler Literacy Center. Presently, ProJeCt funds the real estate costs associated with the property. There are no utility costs for the Garden.

The idea of the Garden came about in the Fall, 2008. The Garden received a $5,000.00 grant from Hidden Valley to support first-year start up costs. Adult literacy students will equitably distribute the garden's harvest to the volunteer workers, and to the food bank. Funds to support this educational effort have been raised through contributions to the Green Legacy Garden Fund, including the offering of seed packets in exchange for two-dollar donations. To date, the garden has not received government funding or other support. However, the garden has received generous in-kind support including, tree removal and donations of soil, beds, seeds, tools, and posts.

In addition to management and business skills, the students will also learn about gardening, team/community building, and, indirectly, nutrition. The students are exploring ways to collect rainwater and promote environmentally friendly management. An area vocational-technical school may build a shed for the gardening tools. There are also plans to create a Kids Garden for preschool and other young children. Both efforts will further promote greater community involvement.

Community Gardens Outside the Lehigh Valley

Here are some stories and videos that feature successful community gardens in other regions. Click for inspiration and ideas!

http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/651861.html A boom is happening in Buffalo, NY, the home of Growing Green.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJypFEA33lU&feature=related A video about a community garden that sprung up in a most unlikely place.