LIVING BETTER WITH LESS: EDUCATION FOR HOME VEGETABLE GARDENERS
Extension Education
Emelie Swackhamer
Horticulture Educator
Penn State Extension
Colllegeville
Abstract
In 2009, many residents of the Lehigh Valley started new vegetable gardens in response to the weak economy, concerns over food safety and health, and the desire for locally produced food. Cooperative Extension provided programming, using a variety of methods, to help meet the need for education. A map was produced to help new gardeners locate available space in community gardens, which resulted in an increase in plots and participation. Educational information was distributed through the newspaper, a Master Gardener blog and television appearances on the local news station. Twenty workshops on gardening practices were offered and they were attended by 629 adult participants. Evaluations of the workshops showed that participants intended to change gardening practices as a result of attending, and increased their ability to produce their own compost. This program engaged Master Gardener volunteers, collaborated with 17 community groups, and increased visibility of Cooperative Extension among political stakeholders.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: E. Swackhamer*, K. Bernhard, M. Hamm Groover, L. Lynch
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Swackhamer*, E. Horticulture Educator, Lehigh and Northampton Counties Cooperative Extension, Penn State University, Pennsylvania, 18104
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Bernhard, K. Horticulture Program Assistant, Lehigh County Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania, 18104
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Hamm Groover, M. Master Gardener Coordinator, Northampton County Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania, 18064
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Lynch, L. Master Gardener Coordinator, Lehigh County Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania, 18104