Posted: January 22, 2021
The Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in the Lehigh Valley supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public and our communities on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship.
Construction of the new demo garden at the Lehigh County Extension Office in partnership with Barn Community Gardens.
Program Highlights
- 138 active Penn State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
- 3,192 volunteer hours reported valued at $86,822.00
- 3,011 direct adult contacts
- 1,054 direct youth contacts
- 1,667 continuing education hours
Lehigh and Northampton County Master Gardeners have completed the construction of a new teaching garden at the Lehigh County Extension office in partnership with Lehigh County Government, The Barn Community Garden, and St. Luke's University Health Network. The site consists of various styles of raised beds for vegetable and herb growing, flower beds, and a patio garden space at the Lehigh County Ag Center. There were some hardships; however, volunteers successfully grew 45 pounds of produce for area food banks and many flowers. Looking to the future, the committee will be adding a parameter fence to protect the site and begin offering classes to teach at least 25 area residents annually to become proficient vegetable gardeners.
