Mountaintop Discovery Gardens: executive summary

What it is. A proposed accessible garden with a native pollinator meadow, edible demonstration beds, an outdoor classroom, a rain garden and compost. It would start as a pilot of 0.5 to 1 acre and could grow only if the pilot works, with site permission, soil and utility studies, funding and a year-round maintenance plan.

Where. Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus. The pilot, about 0.74 acre, is illustrated on the East Summit Lawn beside Iacocca Hall. A desktop study found three possible study areas. None has been offered, and no tree removal is proposed.

Who it would help. Students, faculty, staff and visiting classes: a place to learn outdoors and grow food, with accessible paths and raised beds. It would also be habitat for pollinators and birds.

Status. Shared with university offices for feedback. No site permission, sponsor or funding; costs not yet estimated.

What it needs. The university's view and, in time, its written permission; a sponsor and a faculty advisor; soil tests before any food is grown; and year-round care.

Next step. Hear back from the university on whether a garden fits its plans and whether any study area could be considered.

Lehigh facts were checked only through search results. Sources: the plan PDF and the project website.