UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION, PA and NY – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce a “Growing Your Own Food” educational workshop series led by local farmer Amy Erlwein, scheduled for spring 2026 at the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA.

For gardeners just getting started or those with more experience, the workshop series will cover every step of the process, from planting and caring for seedlings to harvesting and preserving food. Amy Erlwein has been farming in Sullivan County, NY for over 40 years and currently serves on the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Board of Directors.

April 25, 10am-12pm: From Seed to Sprout (Part 1)

In the first program of this education series, full-time farmer Amy Erlwein will discuss the basics of planting your garden, starting with what to plant and when to plant it. She’ll discuss what soil, light, and water conditions different seeds need, and how to correctly plant and care for your seeds. Then, you’ll get to practice planting your own seeds in recycled containers and take them home to care for!

May 30, 10am-11:30am: Maintaining and Caring for Your Seedlings (Part 2)

In the second part of the Growing Your Own Food education series, Amy will discuss the how and why of where to plant your seedlings in the garden, what fertilizer to use, how to control pests and weeds, and more tips on how to properly maintain and care for your new seedlings! We’ll discuss the differences between using organic vs. conventional fertilizer and what would be best for you to use in your gardens based on what you’re planting.

September 19, 10am-12pm: Harvesting Your Hard Work (Part 3)

In the third and final installment of the Growing Your Own Food series, Amy will discuss and demonstrate how to properly harvest your crops along with how to preserve and store your food through canning, dehydration, freezing and more. Amy will also explain how to collect and store your seeds properly to ensure that they will be ready for planting next spring.

Program fees are $10 per family per session, or $25 for all three sessions when registering in advance. Space is limited and prior registration is requested. To learn more and register, visit DelawareHighlands.org/events or call 570-226-3164 ext. 4. 

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the forests, farmland, clean waters, and wildlife habitat of the Upper Delaware River region for present and future generations and to foster environmental stewardship through community engagement. For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.