(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – Mass Audubon’s Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary will once again play host to an organic community garden this year. The site has had a recent makeover and now includes a beautiful new pavilion and other facilities improvements. Universal access raised garden beds are also available.

Mass Audubon rents space in its popular organic gardens to members and nonmembers alike.  Participants have been growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs at the two-acre gardens site for over three decades. “The camaraderie and learning among gardeners is exceptional,“ according to sanctuary director René Laubach. “It is probably the most scenic location to plant a garden in Berkshire County.”

In order to participate, all new community gardeners must attend an organic gardening workshop offered free of charge at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox on either Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 7-8:30 p.m., or on Saturday, April 21, at 2-3:30 p.m. The workshops will be conducted by master gardener Diane Wetzel of Pittsfield, who is also the volunteer coordinator for the project. Pre-registration for the workshops is required.

The garden sites, which measure 15 feet by 20 feet, rent for $32 for Mass Audubon members and $40 for non-members. Gardeners may rent multiple sites if they wish.

Persons interested in participating are urged to contact Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries in Lenox to register for the workshops by calling 413.637.0320 or e-mailing berkshires@massaudubon.org