Scout creates Little Seed Library for county gardeners
Scout creates Little Seed Library for county gardeners
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Huntley LaVigne, 17, hopes to help grow a stronger gardening community one seed at a time.
LaVigne of Troop 14 in Russell recently completed the Little Seed Library as his Eagle Scout service project. Located in the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden at Betts Park, the library provides a place for residents to take, leave and exchange garden seeds throughout the year.
The idea is similar to the small free libraries often found throughout communities, but instead of books, the Little Seed Library is stocked with seeds that local gardeners can share with their neighbors.
LaVigne, who has been involved in scouting since he was five years old, said he hopes the project will encourage community connections while helping gardeners access seeds that are well suited to the local growing environment.
"I think it’ll bring people together," LaVigne said. "I think it’ll help people come together and share seeds with their neighbors."
The project was suggested to LaVigne by members of the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Warren County, who have an interest in seed saving and preserving locally adapted varieties.
Many commercially available seeds come from large suppliers outside the region. By saving and sharing seeds grown locally, gardeners can help build a supply of seeds that are better adapted to Warren County’s growing conditions.
In addition to supporting local gardening efforts, the project gave LaVigne an opportunity to develop practical skills and gain experience in planning and completing a community project.
The Eagle Scout project required approval from Warren City Council as well as securing donations and organizing the materials needed for construction. LaVigne also learned about woodworking and the importance of proper digging rules and regulations.
Several local businesses and community members helped make the project possible. LaVigne expressed appreciation to Steve Fox, Howes True Value and Grant Lumber for their donations and support. Troop 14 also assisted with the project.
The Little Seed Library will serve as a resource for Warren County residents interested in gardening and seed saving. A Facebook group, Little Seed Library Warren PA, has also been established to share information about available seeds, provide gardening tips and allow community members to ask questions and connect with one another.
For LaVigne, the project represents both the completion of an important scouting milestone and an opportunity to give something lasting back to his community.
After graduating from high school, he hopes to attend college to study welding and eventually start his own business.
Through his Eagle Scout project, LaVigne has created a resource that will continue to benefit local gardeners long after the project itself is finished.