Goodell Gardens is a Place for All to Enjoy Nature: Community Gems

There's a place in Edinboro that people have been going to for decades, just to enjoy nature. Visitors often enjoy taking a walk, having a picnic, and going to many different events. 

Marian Beckman is the President of the board for Goodell Gardens, a place that houses around 50 different species of plants. 

"I guess my big focus is to come here and refresh to find the peace that a garden brings and be one with nature," said Beckman. 

The gardens are home to a lot of history, like the original cabin of the Goodell sisters.

"So, Goodell Gardens exists because of two sisters, Carrie and Margaret Goodell. Neither got married or had any children," said Amber Wellington, Executive Director. "This was their family farm and they left it to become a place where people can learn about nature."

The land is Wellington's office, she became even more enchanted with the gardens after getting married on the grounds in 2010.

There's trails, a tent to host weddings, and other events with restrooms on site to accommodate visitors for festivals, movie nights, summer music concerts, and educational classes from adults to children. 

"I came here as a mom on a field trip with my daughter in second grade and I just stood and looked around," said Foradori. "I loved this place."

So, Renee Foradori became a Goodell Gardens member and volunteer. 

Her girls have grown up coming here, and her family has used their local membership in other places like this visit to Maine.

That's just one of the member benefits. Free or reduced admission to other public gardens, and nature centers, even historical museums.

Goodell Gardens sits on 80 acres and only 30 are utilized for the public to enjoy.

There's a certified arboretum and about 5 to 6 different gardens, with plans for a children's garden.

If you want to check out Goodell Gardens in Edinboro, there's an Along the Garden Path tour at 1 p.m. on Sunday. It's free and open to the public. 


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