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. 140 community gardens in 20 counties are made possible through corporate and organizational sponsorships, and through the work of more than 10,000 volunteers from local neighborhoods, schools, businesses and organizations.

WPC’s community gardens are seen more than five million times a day, based on PennDOT statistics. Each year, more than 200,000 flowers are planted by volunteers. We are so appreciative of the many volunteers who put in their time and energy this spring to get our gardens on the right track!

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

• Locate our gardens throughout the region.
• Take a visual tour of our gardens.
• 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!  Learn more about becoming a community garden volunteer.
• Meet our generous Community Gardens & Greenspace sponsors.  Learn how your business can become a sponsor.
   

Congratulations to stewards and volunteers of the 2009 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Community Greening Award Winners!

• 13th St. & Otter St. - Franklin
• Boulevard of the Allies @ Parkview Ave. - Oakland
• Brighton Rd. & Charles St. - California-Kirkbride
• Brownsville Rd. & Maple Springs Rd. - South Park
• Chestnut St. & E. Ohio St. - East Allegheny
• General Robinson St. & Anderson St. - North Shore
• Highland Park Bridge @ Butler St. - Highland Park
• Parkway West - Greentree Interchange - Green Tree
• S. 18th St. - Riverfront Park - South Side

We are thankful to our friends at The Pittsburgh Project and GTECH who take all of our plants from the Community Gardens and Downtown Plantings and compost them after they have been pulled in the fall. The composted materials will serve as beneficial fertilizer for their own projects that provide community greening and the production of edible crops and alternative energy crops, respectively.