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Morgantown/Honey Brook /townlively

MAY 27 , 2020

IN THIS ISSUE: HUMANE LEAGUE EXPANDS SERVICES page 3

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954

VOL XXVIII • NO 18

Trust Opens New Hiking Trail By Francine Fulton

With social distancing rules in place, many local individuals and families are searching for outdoor recreation. To help meet this need, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has just opened a new hiking trail at 365 Templin Road, Elverson. The trail, which meanders through the woods, is located off of Route 401 at the Great Marsh Uplands Preserve. The 550-acre preserve’s 3-mile loop is of moderate difficulty and showcases some of scenic big woods in the area, as well as local wildlife. “It has some easy strolling and some hills,� said Will Caverly, the trust’s director of communications and development, when describing the new trail. “There are a couple of wet spots where little streams cross the trail, so people should definitely wear boots.� He noted that dogs on leashes are permitted on the

trail and that dog owners should clean up after their pets. No bicycles are permitted on the trail. The trust acquired the land where the trail is located as part of its mission to preserve land and keep it from development. In addition, the trail opened ahead of schedule to accommodate the needs of the community. “ We had originally planned to take this year to plan it out and open it next spring. We really sped it up and had to put in a lot of work to get it done fast,� Caverly said. “We believe this is the best time for us to get people onto the trail.� Those who walk the trail can expect to see wood thrushes and frogs and other amphibians. “There are some deer running through and turkeys as well,� said Caverly. When traveling to the trail, drivers should keep an eye out for orange cones across from the

By Francine Fulton

Even with the stay-at-home and physical distancing orders, the Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County is still providing one-to-one English language classes to adult learners, while continuing to offer services and support to its students and tutors. Many student/tutor pairs are continuing to meet for one-to-one English language learning lessons via telephone, smartphone and computer video conferencing, along with worksheets sent through the mail. In addition, technical training for tutors is available virtually. See English Program pg 2

See Hiking Trail pg 2

The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust recently opened a 3-mile hiking trail at the Great Marsh Uplands Preserve in Elverson.

It Takes A Village Continues To Serve The Community

Time To Plant “Victory Over Virus� Gardens By Francine Fulton

Like other local nonprofit organizations, It Takes a Village has begun offering new services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who place nonperishable food items in the organization’s Community Food Boxes are now donating additional products, including masks and protective face coverings. “People are putting in masks, diapers and other household products more than ever before,� said Ruby George, a member of the board of directors. “We know that people are using the boxes, and we’ve seen a lot more people making an effort to fill them.� It Takes a Village currently maintains four Community Food Boxes along the Business Route 30 corridor. The Downingtown Train Station box is located on the westbound or Lancaster Avenue/Route 30 side of the station, which is accessible from the parking lot. Another box is located in Dawkins Park in Caln Township, located

During World Wars I and II, Americans were urged to plant “victory gardens� as the nation faced potential food shortages. At the time, fresh vegetables were grown in people’s yards and at public parks, churches and schools. Today, a new movement to create “coronavirus victory gardens� has begun locally and nationwide. Since nurseries and garden centers have been designated as essential businesses in most places, gardeners are able to purchase necessary supplies, including soil and starter plants. Locally, the Penn State Chester County Master Gardeners are promoting “victory over virus� gardens, a term used by Master Gardener Tony Buck. Local residents are encouraged to plant vegetables for themselves and to share the harvest with neighbors. “Victory gardens were promoted by the government during World Wars I and II to increase people’s self-reliance in growing food at home,� said Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Master Gardener coordinator. “Harkening back to that, it is about self-reliance, particularly as we go to the store and see empty shelves.�

See It Takes A Village pg 2

See Victory Gardens pg 3

MCC

By Francine Fulton

Community Food Boxes put in place by It Takes a Village offer free food and toiletries to residents in need. Community members are invited to place donations of nonperishable goods in the boxes.

Volunteer English Program Moves To Online Learning

“Victory over virus� vegetable gardens, like these created by Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Chester County Master Gardener coordinator, can be grown in containers.

MARTIN’S FLOORING OUTLET

Located in the Warehouse behind our Fivepointville Store

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717-445-7799

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