Preserving the land

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.comStaff Writer

SHAVERTOWN – Earth Day is all about preserving and giving back to Mother Nature.

Sifting mulch at Hillside Farms Earth Day celebration are members of Wyoming Seminary’s Blue White Team. They are, from left: Leah Goldberg, Emily Granger, Kristen Mericle, Molly Turner, Hunter Obeid and Caroline Ruppert.

People of all ages – more than 50 – took that premise to heart Saturday as they spent the day beautifying The Lands at Hillside Farms during “Earth Day on the Farm.”

Volunteers planted trees and flowers, cleared and defined walking trails as part of a spring cleaning, said Lisa Miller, Hillside Farms events and volunteer coordinator.

“We can’t function without volunteer support. Volunteers are very important to me … I rely on them jobs done all year round. This farm is a working farm,” Miller said.

Lesa Gelb of Laflin and her 15-year-old son, Nathan Gelb-Dyller, arrived at lunchtime Saturday to get their hands dirty pulling up dead vegetation and weeds.

For them, volunteering at the farm is a way to show their appreciation for the nonprofit’s dedication to teaching agricultural educational programs.

“If you are helping other people it makes you less self-centered and more helpful,” Gelb-Dyller said.

Gelb told the story of how last year she and her younger son planted as seeds. Then within three weeks they were back, so he could see the plants spout to life and were later given away as prizes to HeadStart and Kindergarten students touring the farm.

“It is a real connection of giving back to the community,” Gelb said.

Volunteering at the farm is a double plus for Gelb-Dyller. He gets to help out and also earn his required volunteer hours as required by his school, Scranton Prep.

Volunteers of all skill levels are needed and welcomed to donate their time and services any time of the year, Miller said.

For more information…

http://thelandsathillsidefarms.org/

570-696-4500

Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.