Join Penn State Master Gardeners for a leisurely one-hour stroll to learn about one of Harrisburg’s Best-Kept Secrets - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. learn about some of the many perennials, shrubs, and trees in the Park. Gather inspiration for your garden and gain unique information about this local Park, by learning to identify these plants, some of their pollinators, other insects or diseases, and soil or location preferences. Plants also have 'secrets' and we'll share some of them, such as being deer repellant, toxic or invasive. We are trained horticulturists and are eager to share our knowledge with you. This walk is happening on the Anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, the perfect time to visit. It is only reachable by the Greenbelt, which creates a peaceful setting, perfect for quiet reflection.
Feel free to provide a lawn chair for the discussions after our walk. As gardeners, you may want to share some of your experiences with us during our Q-and-A period, during this time. You are encouraged to extend your experience at the Park, by taking a stroll through the woods and fields that surround the area of our walk. Whether you are a serious gardener or outdoor enthusiast, you will find this Park to be a great place for a walk, get some fresh air, and relax!
Meet Up Location & Parking
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located on the Cameron Parkway East section of the Capital Area Greenbelt between 19th and 28th streets. Parking for the garden is at the 19th Street parking lot of the Greenbelt. You can use the address of 1346 S. 19th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17104 in your GPS - this is a private residence; however, the parking lot is just beside the residence. Once parked, you'll proceed to walk under the 19th Street underpass for approximately 200 yards to reach the meet-up location.
This program is for all ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
More details on the memorial are available here: http://caga.org/rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-memorial/
What to know before you go:
- Dress for the weather
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated
- You may want to wear sunscreen, bug repellent, and a hat
- Check your email 1-hour before program start time for any weather updates or cancellations
About The Memorial
The memorial celebrates the crusades Dr. King undertook to achieve social justice for African Americans in the United States. The predominant feature of the site is the eleven-foot, jet-black granite obelisk in the center of the memorial garden. It was imported from India and gifted to the garden by an anonymous donor. Next to the monument is an informational kiosk featuring photos of Dr. King and inspirational text written by Dr. Dorothy King (no relation). A copy of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech given in Washington, D.C. is accessible by scanning a QR code on the signage.
About The Gardens
On the other side of the kiosk, you can read about the native plants in the surrounding gardens. Great care was taken to choose native plants both for their
environmental benefit as well as for the practical reason of reducing maintenance. Behind the six rows of bee- and bird-friendly plants is a row of deer-resistant juniper trees.
A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.
Program Contact: Nancy Gates | Assistant Program Manager | [email protected] | 717-599-5188, ext. 2113