Martin Guitar plants Wildlife Garden as part of conservation initiative

C.F. Martin & Co. Inc., Nazareth, was first to take advantage of new funding available for conservation landscaping projects in the Lehigh Valley.

About 200 native shrubs and perennials were installed near the entrance of the famous guitar facility, and Martin Guitar added another 45 plants on its own. The new plantings feature an interpretive sign that explains the wildlife value of the new garden.

"I wanted this garden right near our main entrance where people can see it," said owner Chris Martin, during the official garden opening.

The native plants in Martin Guitar's garden attract songbirds and support pollinators like butterflies and bees that are critical to the production of food.

Research has shown that many pollinators are in decline across the country and gardens that include native plants may help increase their numbers over time.

Funding was provided by Lehigh Valley Community Foundation through the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, which is managing the overall Conservation Landscape Initiative in collaboration with the project steering committee.

Six other projects funded through this initiative have been or will be installed by the end of September 2014. Eligible project partners include schools, businesses, corporate campuses, municipal properties, or other publicly visible spaces where a planting project will benefit ecosystems in urban, suburban and/or rural landscapes.

Funding is expected to continue through 2018. For more information on the project or to inquire about possible funding, contact Kate Brandes at kate@lgnc.org.