Transforming thirty acres into a beautiful, resilient, public garden and ArbNet Arboretum showcasing several different types of native Pennsylvania terrain, including meadow, successional forest, established forest, and wetlands, alongside more than a mile of free, public, walking trails where all can gather for pleasure, inspiration, and learning
Over the next two decades, we are transforming a thirty acre plot of land into a resilient, food abundant, and beautiful public garden, exemplifying native Pennsylvania landscapes. We are strengthening this land's natural ecosystems of meadow, successional forest, and existing forest by implementing several different land management strategies, enabling the land's wide variety of existing native vegetation, bird, and animal life to flourish. Our immediate and most pressing goal is removing invasive plant species currently preventing native species from thriving and multiplying; over the next several years, we're eradicating these invasive species via mowing and cutting down. Simultaneously, we are expanding the healthy, established habitats by planting more food-bearing or food-supporting native trees, shrubs, and perennials and filling in areas previously occupied by invasive species with new native plantings. Lastly, in spring 2026, we are seeding a 22 acre native meadow. As we encourage the resiliency and vitality of the land, we hope to accentuate the beauty and pleasing aesthetics of the varying gardens in the landscape for the enjoyment of the community and visitors, while also providing an abundance of fruits, nuts, and seeds for animals and visitors alike.
Showcasing the beauty and resiliency of native meadow gardens, wetland gardens, and forest gardens
Creating native forest gardens, sustainable vegetable gardens, and regenerative orchards for public consumption
Strengthening communities through well-designed public gardens
Creating safe places for kids to play, seek, splash, and explore in nature
"There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again." Elizabeth Lawrence