by Lisa Schauer
A 9/11 memorial universal garden opened in Morgan County on Wednesday, September 11 in a somber yet poignant ceremony held at the West Virginia Extension Service behind the old War Memorial Hospital.
A universal garden is one that is friendly and inclusive. It has beds, a work surface, pathways, and features that everyone can enjoy – disabilities or not.
Volunteer West Virginia’s September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance grant helped fund the garden, which features a 9/11 memorial wooden bench inscribed Never Forget as its centerpiece.
Volunteer West Virginia said on its website that it prioritized grant applications that meet an important immediate community need, or address a systemic issue, and those that engage underserved communities.
The idea of creating an ADA-accessible community garden took root last winter, according to Liz Campbell, founder and president of Morgan County CEOS garden club, and an administrator with the West Virginia Extension Service.
Campbell said she and others went to the county commissioners to ask if they could use the green space behind the old hospital to build a community garden.
Morgan County commissioners readily agreed, and the first portion built was the children’s sensory garden. An artful butterfly garden was also installed.
“The next big project is a fence, so we can start growing,” said Campbell.
Rentable four-by-four beds and sheds with a food preservation library are available to the community in a “shed and a bed” concept similar to British allotment programs popular in urban settings. Master gardeners will maintain a demonstration garden, and the 4-H garden is located here.
The event’s master of ceremonies Ross Martin of Berkeley Springs competently led the gathering in patriotic songs, speeches and shared personal “Where were you?” stories of that terrible day 23 years ago.
Martin gave a moving account of being near ground zero in New York City on 9/11, remarking how everyone uncharacteristically came together and checked in with each other during that time.
Following groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies commemorating various stages of the community garden, visitors enjoyed garden tours, refreshments, door prizes, and activities including Lego building and rock painting.
Anyone interested in more information about the community garden plans and resources can contact the local WVU Extension Service office at 304-258-8400.
