Granges across Connecticut can celebrate agriculture in their communities by participating in the National Grange Seed Project.

The National Grange has once again partnered with America the Beautiful Fund in 2010 so local Granges can continue to have the ability to participate in their seed program.

Local Granges can grow fresh nutritious food for the hungry and teach children about the wonders of nature in a habitat garden. Other possible service projects for Granges include beautifying parks, roadways and neighborhoods, community gardens, fresh vegetables for fundraising dinners, fresh flowers at Grange meetings, programs that promote healthy living, environmental stewardship and community pride! There are hundreds of ways Granges can improve their community's quality of life through gardening!

Local Granges interested in participating in the Seed Program can get 100 packets of vegetable, flower, or herb seeds by paying only $14.95 for shipping and handling.

To participate, Granges are required to write a short letter describing what they will do with the seeds and complete the application form from the America the Beautiful Fund, which is available on the National Grange website.

To date, the America the Beautiful Fund seed program has saved more than 800 tons of seeds and 7 million flower bulbs from going to waste in landfills and has grown 1.75 billion pounds of food for the hungry.

America the Beautiful Fund is a national non-profit organization started in 1965 to encourage volunteer citizen efforts and to protect the natural and historic beauty of America.

Over 50,000 projects in all 50 states have been developed and assisted with America the Beautiful Fund's help. America the Beautiful Fund is supported by donations and grants, including contributions from Federal workers and members of the Armed Service through the Combined Federal Campaign. Help continue the work of Lady Bird Johnson to preserve the natural beauty of America.

To download the National Grange Seed Project form, visit the downloads page on the Connecticut State Grange website at www.CTStateGrange.org or visit the Seed Program page www.NationalGrange.org.

For more information on National Grange's participation in the Seed Program, visit the National Grange website at www.NationalGrange.org.

For more information on the America the Beautiful Fund, visit their website at www.america-the-beautiful.org.