Penn College News

Hort Club contributes to Way's Garden sustainability event

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-Penn College News

In a "rain or shine" endeavor that had plenty of both, members of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Horticulture Technicians’ Association were among the industrious partners for Saturday's "Reimagine Sustainability" activity in Way's Garden.

Conveniently located near main campus, the civic sanctuary at West Fourth and Maynard streets has frequently been improved by Penn College students and faculty – before, during and after its 2013 centennial.

In addition to fresh signage, a number of restorative improvements and new features, Saturday's event (funded by a grant from the League of Women Voters and support from the Lycoming Audubon Society's Bird-Friendly Blooms initiative) included planting of trees, shrubs and perennials.

Penn State Master Gardeners were also involved, providing information about edible and native plants.

Students set about their day's work, gathering tools from the program's trailer.
Students set about their day's work, gathering tools from the program's trailer.
Peyton E. James (left) and Jared E. Andrews put in azaleas as part of the park project. James, of Leesport, and Andrews, of Perkasie, are each working toward an associate degree in landscape/plant production technology.
Peyton E. James (left) and Jared E. Andrews put in azaleas as part of the park project. James, of Leesport, and Andrews, of Perkasie, are each working toward an associate degree in landscape/plant production technology.
Horticulture Club adviser and Ways Garden commissioner Carl J. Bower Jr. talks about the park's history with Nate Losell, a freelance videographer documenting the afternoon event. Having such a hands-on role in maintaining the garden gives Bower an inside track on educational opportunities, he said. "This is also a perfect venue for the students to help beautify the community, and learn about nature, gardening and sustainability."
Horticulture Club adviser and Ways Garden commissioner Carl J. Bower Jr. talks about the park's history with Nate Losell, a freelance videographer documenting the afternoon event. Having such a hands-on role in maintaining the garden gives Bower an inside track on educational opportunities, he said. "This is also a perfect venue for the students to help beautify the community, and learn about nature, gardening and sustainability."
Planting blanket flowers on the Maynard Street side of the park are landscape/plant production technology students Diane Y. Saylor, of Pennsylvania Furnace, and Brandon C. Wolfe, of Albion.
Planting blanket flowers on the Maynard Street side of the park are landscape/plant production technology students Diane Y. Saylor, of Pennsylvania Furnace, and Brandon C. Wolfe, of Albion.
Apples and a foliage-themed tablecloth provide a touch of fall in a centerpiece display that also included information tables and giveaways.
Apples and a foliage-themed tablecloth provide a touch of fall in a centerpiece display that also included information tables and giveaways.
Bower, an assistant professor of horticulture, offers pointers and encouragement to students edging – as well as planting bayberry and amsonia – along West Fourth Street. From right are Saudiah Wells, of Williamsport, and Lila A. McKeon, of Montoursville, both enrolled in landscape/plant production technology; and McKeon's spouse, Gabriel. (Gabriel McKeon holds an associate degree in metal fabrication technology and is pursuing a bachelor's in applied management.)
Bower, an assistant professor of horticulture, offers pointers and encouragement to students edging – as well as planting bayberry and amsonia – along West Fourth Street. From right are Saudiah Wells, of Williamsport, and Lila A. McKeon, of Montoursville, both enrolled in landscape/plant production technology; and McKeon's spouse, Gabriel. (Gabriel McKeon holds an associate degree in metal fabrication technology and is pursuing a bachelor's in applied management.)
Students join community gardeners in enhancing the park's greenery.
Students join community gardeners in enhancing the park's greenery.

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