Volunteers can really make a difference in how well the Farm Park fares during these rough economic times.  The FPPA set up three separate weeding projects, two on a weekday and one on a weekend.  Sad to say only FPPA Board Members participated; no other FPPA members chose to help – although many people used the park during those days – running, walking, exercising their dogs.  We weeded flowerbeds around the Visitor Center but more needs to be done there.  Also, all 100 of our Heritage trees on Upper Farm Road need weeding before they are mulched.  Finally, the Monarch Butterfly Garden and Vernal Pool area (next to the Visitor Center) needs help, too. Anytime you would like to help, just drop by the Visitor Center and ask the Park Rangers about which beds need attention.  Please bring gloves and small gardening tools.  The Park can provide a wheelbarrow, rake and broom.

 The Monarch Butterfly Garden functions as a way station for Monarch Butterflies during their tremendous migrations.  Milkweed plants and only Milkweed, provide food for Monarch larvae (caterpillars).  The adult Monarchs feed on nectar from a variety of flowers.  In addition to aiding the butterflies, the garden will let us view the Monarchs in action and will be used for teaching children about the butterflies.  If you would rather not weed this garden, you could donate a plant instead!  Some suggestions for inexpensive plants that Monarchs would love are Amsonia, Purple or White Cone Flowers, Joe Pye Weed, Cardinal Flower, Wild Bergamot and Black-eyed Susans.  Just drop them off at the Visitor Center.

            The FPPA also held an Adopt a Trail and Keep it Clean (trash pickup!) project during a recent weekend.  Three FPPA members participated in addition to FPPA Board Members.  In only one hour, we managed to fill seven big trash bags from our target area – the Whitehall Road perimeter between the Fire House and Kepner Creek.  Just think how much more we could have done if more of you had appeared.  Many thanks to Ben Crowle, Norm Hagerman, and John Walsh for their help on a hot and buggy day.  Don’t wait for a group pickup – you can do it any time you are in the park.  Ask the Park Rangers for a trash bag – they will be happy to supply it.

              For more information about these projects, please call 610-270-8870 or drop by the Visitor Center.

Don’t wait for someone else to volunteer; just do it now!

                    Milkweed                                  Monarch Life Cycle                    Purple Coneflower

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