Shoemakersville Scout Troop gets park flowerbeds ready for planting
Service project includes maintenance throughout year
The flowerbeds at the entrance to Perry Township Recreation Area are now ready for planting thanks to help from members of Shoemakersville Scout Troop 163.
For the community service project on April 4, the Scouts removed the black plastic under the mulch and replaced the mulch at the park sign flowerbeds, getting them ready for planting. They will be continuing to help with flowerbed maintenance throughout the year at the park and township building.
“The township park area provides a nice atmosphere for the community to enjoy,” said Bryan Smith, scout master for Troop 163. “Scouts gained the experience of selfless service, providing community spirit and pride.”
This is the third project the Troop provided over the past year for Perry Township. In fall of 2021 they helped plant bulbs at Perry Township Park and also helped with cleanup of mulch and stones at the Perry Township Building.
“Scout Troop 163, sponsored by Zion’s Lutheran Church of Shoemakersville, came to the rescue once again,” said Nancy M. James, member of the Perry Township Nature, Conservation and Beautification Board.
James offered a “huge thank you” to the eight Scouts ages 12 to 17 and three adult leaders that worked on the project.
“Perry Township is getting ready for a new season at the township park, doing a much needed upgrade all around,” she said.
All perennials and time for the upgrade will be donated.
She explained how the Scouts helped.
“The flowerbed is being renewed and more flowers are going to be planted. However, the black plastic under the mulch was creating a problem, so I recruited the Scouts to tear up the plastic as a service project, and replace the mulch.”
She explained to the Scouts that since the soil is clay, where you want to place a plant, the clay should be removed, just enough for roots to have a good foothold, and new soil added. Not many perennials survive in clay soil, she said.
“Getting the Scouts involved teaches them in many different ways; learning about gardening, how different plants attract different creatures, enjoying nature, community service, and how to work together,” said James.
James is also working on creating a blue bird trail at the park in the future.
“Last year while working in the garden, I saw a few flying around and thought what a great place for a trail.
Volunteers can help monitor the boxes.
“If you don’t know how but would like to learn, I will teach you.”
Also, on May 14 at 11 a.m., Perry Township will host its first plant swap, rain or shine, at the Perry Township Recreation Park Pavilion.
Bring a plant to swap. The number of plants you bring is the number you can take home. Note the plant name and if it needs sun or shade. Plants should be divided in small clumps the size of a fist. The plants are bare rooted, so no pots or ground, and should be wrapped in wet newspaper and put in plastic bags. No house plants.
For more information and updates, visit the Perry Township Berks County Facebook page, call the office at 610-562-2133 email Perrytwshpmunbld@comcast.net, or visit perrytownshipberkscounty.com.