POTTSTOWN PA – After about 18 months of fund-raising and construction, volunteers and staff members at Althouse Arboretum say they are making progress on completing its new community meeting and learning center.
“We have worked hard all year to make our new building a reality,” the arboretum’s non-profit partner, GreenAllies, reports in its December newsletter. There remains “a little farther to go on raising the funds to complete the project,” the organization says, “but once it is done it will become the focal point of our new student and community initiatives.”
Officially labeled as “The Conservatory,” the sustainably-built structure has already taken shape behind the farmhouse on the grounds at 1794 Gilbertsville Rd.
Growing within the ArbNet level-1 accredited arboretum are 48 different varieties of trees and shrubs. It also provides a wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Additionally, it contains a pollinator-friendly garden certified by master gardeners of Penn State Cooperative Extension.
All are operated on about 17 acres in Upper Pottsgrove, in a collaboration between GreenAllies and the township.
Geared Toward Community and Education
The building is planned to contain:
- A new student-operated café called GreenCup, offering coffee, other beverages, and “light meals;”
- A “teaching kitchen,” in which “experts will help everyone learn how to make delicious, all natural foods.” The kitchen will rely, in part, “on ingredients sourced from (its) student-run organic farm;”
- A meeting room available for community meeting and use, as well as future programming; and
- A “Youth Empowerment Hub” that will serve as an learning center offering “student leadership opportunities,” service programs, classes, and demonstrations.
The project broke ground in May 2024. Since then it has attracted the volunteer assistance of several skilled workers, other community organizations, and funding from more than 70 donors.
During November, members of the Pottstown Rotary Club installed new stairs for the building. When building materials arrived on site last October, volunteers responded to GreenAllies’ call for help to unload delivery trucks. To kick-start the fund-raising effort the project’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and remodeling contractor, The Longacre Company of Bally, fulfilled a pledge to match the first $5,000 in contributions.
Two Ways The Public Can Help
Other donations are still being sought so the project can reach its $25,000 goal. Contributions are being accepted online.
GreenAllies is also looking for talented carpenters and other building trades workers who are willing to volunteer in completing smaller parts of the project. Specifically needed are specialists in drywall, electrical, and plumbing.
Those interested should contact GreenAllies’ Executive Director Ken Hamilton by sending an e-mail to ken@green-allies.org, or by phone at 267-371-2288.
Photos provided by GreenAllies
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