BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer
HOWELL — Representatives of the Southard Grange are hoping that municipal officials will allow the collective to produce a community garden on a section of township-owned land.
Grange Master Elaine Taylor is an organic farmer who lives on Maxim-Southard Road.
Taylor, who is a member of the Howell Board of Education, said the community garden project is only one of several ambitions the members of Southard Grange No. 218 will work to see accomplished.
In an interview with the Tri-Town News, Taylor said she was planning to ask the Township Council on Dec. 14 to allow the Grange to take over 15 of about 31 acres that comprise the Price Farm at the corner of Maxim-Southard Road and Locust Avenue.
Taylor said the Grange is proposing to take the 15 acres and turn it into a community garden that would beautify the land and work to involve residents in a true community effort that would reap a bountiful harvest of beauty and
communal spirit.
In a press release, the Grange states that its goal “is to help promote an awareness of New Jersey’s natural heritage through agricultural education, land conservation and community activities.”
Taylor said there would be an open invitation to any member of the public who wants to plant a garden on the tract. She said it would be a perfect opportunity for a person who lives in a condominium or an apartment who wants a little plot of ground on which he can grow flowers, vegetables or herbs.
She said those who join will be able to sow a plot at the community garden, attend informative workshops and get involved in other farm- and garden-related activities.
Also, according to Taylor, there is a historical structure on the property that the Grange would like to take over. She said if they were allowed to, the Grange’s 50 or so members and other volunteers would work to rehabilitate the structure.
She said the property on which the Grange wants to produce its community garden would also provide opportunities for hiking, bird watching and photography.
Taylor said membership is open to all ages, families and groups interested in “America’s No. 1 recreational activity — gardening.” For more information call (732) 901-8777.