US (NJ): How an abandoned greenhouse gave new life to Camden County program
Unless, of course, you grow your own decorations.
That's the approach Camden County's office of sustainability — the only county-wide office of its kind in the state — has taken on in recent years, using a once-abandoned greenhouse, donated equipment and more than a few green thumbs willing to donate their time.
In a previous life, the 100-foot long and 10-foot wide greenhouse sitting on eight acres at the county's Lakeland Complex in Gloucester Township once served as part of a state-run youth program.
Once the state packed up its operation there in 2012, and management of the land turned back over to the county, it sat empty, stripped and awaiting demolition.
That's where Freeholder Michelle Gentek-Mayer came in. She knew of the abandoned greenhouse from her time sitting on council in the township — a role she said sparked her passion for sustainability and green initiatives — and brought her plan to the freeholders after she was elected in 2012.
"I said 'I'd like to grow your flowers [at the greenhouse,]" Gentek-Mayer said.
She partnered with the county's Director of Sustainability Chris Waldron and they brought Rebecca Szkotak on board through the Rutger's Cooperative Extension Master Gardener's program to oversee the horticulture aspects of the program and volunteers.
In the first year, they produced 8,000 plants that ended up throughout the county park system. That production more than doubled this year, racking up 500 volunteer hours and sending 20,000 plants out of the greenhouse and onto county-owned land.
Growing 5,000 of the plants costs the county $80 in supplies, while purchasing the same amount of plants wholesale could range from $7,000 to $9,000.
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