Cresson, Pa. – Mount Aloysius College students and faculty are partnering with the Portage Public Library to loan seeds out to the community. The lending library will officially open to the public on Tuesday, May 23, at 5:30 P.M.

For this project, the 24 Biology II students were tasked with collecting seeds and making packets, which will be shared at the seed lending library. In addition to collecting the seeds, the students also created an informational website with more information about the plants.

“These projects provide a unique learning experience that also promotes teamwork, community outreach and illustrates the importance of service and hospitality,” said Dr. Crystal Goldyn, biology professor at Mount Aloysius. “It pushes students to work together to create something unique, meet deadlines, and reach goals. These are all skills that are later necessary to be successful in their professions and the experience illustrates the importance of being contributing members to your local communities as well.”

Every year, the biology class is assigned a biology or science-based project to research and provide information to the local community. In the recent past, some of their projects have involved working with Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped (CCABH), Nathan’s Divide, and the PA Game Commission.

You can visit the Portage Public Library to take advantage of the Seed Lending Library.