Educational vegetable garden takes root at York Land Trust

YORK - With hopes of cultivating local interest in sustainable gardening, York Land Trust recently installed an educational vegetable garden at its headquarters on Cider Hill Road. Built with the help of a committed crew of volunteers and in consultation with the landscape design studio Harvest Design Collective, the organic garden opens up new opportunities for public programming and offers a quiet space for community members to sit and enjoy nature.

York Land Trust
York Land Trust

“Vegetable gardens may seem separate from the broader natural environment, but they are actually deeply connected with the ecosystems that surround them,” said Laura Poppick, Outreach and Programs Coordinator at York Land Trust. “That’s why we’re committed to sharing gardening techniques that can support local plant and animal habitat while also producing delicious fruits and veggies.”

Summer squash, tomatoes, basil, and a variety of other herbs and vegetables are already growing strong within the raised beds that volunteers built in June. The land trust is donating the majority of these crops to local food access programs such as the York Community Service Association Food Pantry, while also using some in their public programming as well.

This month, a Garden Scavenger Hunt will offer community members of all ages the chance to acquaint themselves with the new space and engage all of their senses in the joys of growing food organically on a small scale. Additional programs on composting, pickling, and seasonal garden maintenance are also in the works for the future.

York Land Trust recently built an educational garden at its headquarters.
York Land Trust recently built an educational garden at its headquarters.

The construction of this garden was funded by a grant from the Nathaniel Wheeler TUA York. Eldredge Lumber provided the seedlings and supported the purchase of garden tools and materials. The process of designing, planning, building, and planting the garden was a collaborative community effort that included the help of many volunteers.

The public is welcome to explore and enjoy the garden during daylight hours; those interested in getting more involved in food production as a Garden Volunteer may contact info@yorklandtrust.org to learn more.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Educational vegetable garden takes root at York Land Trust