ELKINS — The Kump Education Center is once again offering Community Garden plots that are available for rent.

Plots located behind the Kump House are 20 feet by 20 feet. The plots cost $25 each to rent until the end of the gardening season.

For applications, contact the Community Garden’s Monica Varchetto at 304-591-3706 or send an email to varchetto@live.com.

“All gardeners are asked to be organic and sign an agreement so that the Kump House area will be treated respectfully,” Varchetto said.

The Community Garden began in 2009 in order to provide a resource to those who don’t have the property for such a garden space.

When the garden was first established, a grant covered the cost for water, plowing and a deer-fence.

“This year we have eight to 10 garden plots available, with three already rented,” Varchetto said. “There are usually 10 to 12 participants each year. The plots are first come, first served.”

The KEC, according to their website, “is a non-profit organization formed to carry out the wishes of Mary Gamble Kump – to promote educational purposes including improving student achievement and supporting teacher excellence.”

Volunteers at the KEC organize multiple events and programs for school kids in Randolph and Upshur counties. Students are encouraged to widen their vocabulary, study skills, reading skills, social skills and much more.

There are even programs of tutoring and mentoring correspondence between Davis & Elkins College, Alderson Broaddus University and West Virginia Wesleyan College. These programs also prepare new teachers to learn the correct practices and approaches in advancing their teaching career.

KEC sponsors the STREAM AmeriCorps mentoring program, hosts beehives for the West Virginia Beekeepers program, works with the Tree Board and much more.

The Kump House offers at least one large event each year that is open to the public.

“In 2017, the big event is our KEC Summer Splash on Saturday, July 29,” Dr. Heather Biola of the KEC said. “We will have activities for the whole family, picnic foods and light music.”

The KEC will rent plots from May 15 until Oct. 15. Contact Varchetto for further information or to rent a plot for the 2017 gardening season.