Palmer Beautification Project in Full Bloom

On a 250-yard stretch near , Palmer Township's is in full bloom.

As bikers, joggers and walkers head down the bike path, project founder David Carr uses a garden hose Wednesday morning to water day lilies, hostas, ornamental brasses, sedums, Russian irises, butterfly bushes, bleeding hearts and lady mantles that have replaced an area once covered by brush and trash.

"I've spent the past two weeks of my life here," said Carr as he watered each plant individually.

Since May, Carr has been charged with cleaning up the township bike path in a beautification project aimed at removing litter, clearing dead tree limbs and trimming overgrown bushes and plants.

But, with spring's arrival, now is the time for planting. And Carr and company are hard at work.

He's helped on the trail by Rolla Gregory, a member of the Northampton County Master Gardeners program. Gregory holds the hose as water filters from a 450-gallon tank that sits on the back of a township public works truck.

"People will have something of interest to look at all through the path," Gregory said. "I'm doing what I like to do now that I'm retired. I'm giving back to the community by volunteering. It makes you feel good."

Carr said he appreciates the township's backing and support. He said that every time he asks for something, the township exceeds his expectations.

In December, volunteers planted 4,300 perennial bulbs in the Fairview Park garden, filling a trench along the bike path.

In early January, township parks employees applied several truckloads of leaf compost along the slope.

For March and April, bulbs and other plants are being added.

Carr said that one community organization is inquiring about helping out during the summer.

"We've made a lot of headway," Carr said. "Some regulars who walk the path stop and comment and thank me for all the hard work."

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Carr at 610-252-6832 or his cell at 610-704-5868. Or he can be reached by email at d.carr@rcn.com.