Planted each spring, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s community gardens have become a signature feature of our region, captivating residents and visitors throughout the growing season. Corporate and organizational sponsorships and the work of more than 13,000 volunteers from neighborhoods, schools, businesses and organizations have made it possible for communities in 20 counties to enjoy 135 gardens.

Planting season is upon us. During the month of May, all of the WPC community flower gardens will be planted by neighbors, corporate employees and school groups. Check the planting schedule to see when gardens will be planted in your area if you would like to get involved. Contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or lolzak@paconserve.org for more information.

WPC’s community gardens are seen more than 5 million times a day based on PennDOT statistics. Each year more than 200,000 flowers are planted by volunteers. We greatly appreciate the many volunteers who will put in their time and energy this spring to get the gardens off to a great start, not to mention the financial sponsors who keep our gardens blooming!

There are numerous ways you can participate with WPC’s Community Gardens program:

• Find a garden near you;
• Endow a garden that has a special meaning to you, or to honor a loved one;
• Help our gardens grow by providing financial support;
• Give the "gift of flowers" in honor of a loved one and enjoy the benefits of a greener Western Pennsylvania all summer long;
• Volunteer in the gardens or other WPC greening projects. Learn more about becoming a community garden volunteer;
• Meet our generous Community Gardens & Greenspace sponsors.  Learn how your business can become a sponsor;
• Follow us on Twitter: @WPC_Greenspace; and
• Become a member of WPC and support our work throughout the region.
   

We are thankful to our friends at The Pittsburgh Project who take all of our plants from the WPC’s Community Gardens and Greenspace projects and compost them. The composted materials become beneficial fertilizer for their community-run farm, ecology education projects and additional community greening projects.