Giving Circle at Stonehedge Gardens
An anonymous donor has given $1500 to Stonehedge Gardens...
and asking that five other individuals, groups or organizations step forward and match the gift of $1500 for a total of six gifts of $9,000 to help us meet our needs in 2011.
As you know funding in the state of Pennsylvania is very tight due to tremendous cuts at the state level and the economy in general. To meet this short fall and keep Stonehedge Gardens sustained, our anonymous donor has generously pledged this support to help with the many issues at hand, including the need for a new septic system, roof repairs to the main building and so many other projects that keep Stonehedge the beautiful, free resource it is to the community. Click here for informaton on making a donation.
Or help with our Fantastic Raffle for a package to The Mann Music Center worth over $200. Click here for details.
As you know funding in the state of Pennsylvania is very tight due to tremendous cuts at the state level and the economy in general. To meet this short fall and keep Stonehedge Gardens sustained, our anonymous donor has generously pledged this support to help with the many issues at hand, including the need for a new septic system, roof repairs to the main building and so many other projects that keep Stonehedge the beautiful, free resource it is to the community. Click here for informaton on making a donation.
Or help with our Fantastic Raffle for a package to The Mann Music Center worth over $200. Click here for details.
Seeking a Sustainable Solution to Stonehedge's Septic System Issues
A decentralized constructed wetland
Stonehedge Gardens has a real problem and we hope we can count on you to help us when we have our solution determined.
The ancient septic system at Stonehedge Gardens needs to be replaced. It is truly a relic, dating back to at least the mid-20th century. It's the same wastewater treatment system that was built to serve the single family household that once lived in the old Pennsylvania farmhouse that is the current headquarters for Stonehedge Gardens.
Today, this septic system collects wastewater generated from both the farmhouse and the mobile home that houses our groundskeeper. Toilets in the basement of the farmhouse are used by hundreds of guests who visit Stonehedge Gardens each year.
The old septic system can no longer keep up with this demand.
The Stonehedge Gardens Board of Directors is hoping to replace the old septic system with an environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment system.
The ideal situation would be a decentralized, constructed wetland treatment system that uses rainwater-instead of well water (drinking water)-to flush toilets. Constructed wetlands are a sustainable alternative to traditional onsite treatment of domestic wastewater. And with little operating costs or maintenance for the life of the system, they provide both environmental and economic benefits.
A professional site evaluation will determine the kind of septic system that will be appropriate for Stonehedge Gardens.
In the meantime and until we can raise the funds to replace our old septic system, portable toilets will be used for events, residents in both the farmhouse and mobile home are taking serious water conservation measures, and Stonehedge Gardens volunteer professionals are helping us identify and temporarily fix problems associated with our current system.
Once our options are accessed and our final solutions are determined, we will begin a fundraising campaign to help us raise funds to pay for a new system.
In the meantime, click here for more information on how you can help us preserve the integrity of the gardens that have given the community so much! Click here for informaton on making a donation.
The ancient septic system at Stonehedge Gardens needs to be replaced. It is truly a relic, dating back to at least the mid-20th century. It's the same wastewater treatment system that was built to serve the single family household that once lived in the old Pennsylvania farmhouse that is the current headquarters for Stonehedge Gardens.
Today, this septic system collects wastewater generated from both the farmhouse and the mobile home that houses our groundskeeper. Toilets in the basement of the farmhouse are used by hundreds of guests who visit Stonehedge Gardens each year.
The old septic system can no longer keep up with this demand.
The Stonehedge Gardens Board of Directors is hoping to replace the old septic system with an environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment system.
The ideal situation would be a decentralized, constructed wetland treatment system that uses rainwater-instead of well water (drinking water)-to flush toilets. Constructed wetlands are a sustainable alternative to traditional onsite treatment of domestic wastewater. And with little operating costs or maintenance for the life of the system, they provide both environmental and economic benefits.
A professional site evaluation will determine the kind of septic system that will be appropriate for Stonehedge Gardens.
In the meantime and until we can raise the funds to replace our old septic system, portable toilets will be used for events, residents in both the farmhouse and mobile home are taking serious water conservation measures, and Stonehedge Gardens volunteer professionals are helping us identify and temporarily fix problems associated with our current system.
Once our options are accessed and our final solutions are determined, we will begin a fundraising campaign to help us raise funds to pay for a new system.
In the meantime, click here for more information on how you can help us preserve the integrity of the gardens that have given the community so much! Click here for informaton on making a donation.
Rain Barrel Workshop Held May 14, 2011 -- photos by Andy Leibenguth
Jim Wilson (Left), Stonehedge board member and Watershed Specialist for Northampton County led three rain barrel workshops with the help of the Saucon Creek Watershed Association on May 14, 2011 in the Summer House at the gardens. Yuengling Brewery generously donated 21 barrels for the workshop - perfect for rain barrels. The instructors helped participants install the plumbing fittings to make the barrels ready for rain water collection. The total cost of the workshop was just $35 which included instruction, hardware and even snacks of juice, fruit and yogart. Plus each participant walked away with their very own rain barrel ready for use. If you are interested in participating in our next work shop (date to be determined), please let us know.
(Top Right) Stonehedge Board members shown with Saucon Creek Watershed Assoc members and participants at the last of three workshops.
(Bottom Right) Bob & Barb Welch of the Bear Creek Lake Civic Association in Jim Thorpe.
Click here to see slides by Andy Leibenguth of the Rain Barrel workshop
(Top Right) Stonehedge Board members shown with Saucon Creek Watershed Assoc members and participants at the last of three workshops.
(Bottom Right) Bob & Barb Welch of the Bear Creek Lake Civic Association in Jim Thorpe.
Click here to see slides by Andy Leibenguth of the Rain Barrel workshop
