Two interns have joined Kathryn Engle to work with the Grow Appalachia program through the Lend-A-Hand Center in Knox County, KY.

Hannah (left) and Laura (right) unloading compost into the raised beds at the Barbourville Community Garden.

Hannah (left) and Laura (right) unloading compost into the raised beds at the Barbourville Community Garden.

Hannah Bingham grew up in the Stinking Creek area where her family before her has lived for generations. She graduated as valedictorian from nearby Barbourville High School and recently completed her freshman year at the University of Kentucky. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend law school. She is excited to be able to return home for the summer and be a part of the Grow Appalachia program at Lend A Hand. This opportunity will provide a great learning experience for her to learn gardening and marketing techniques while giving back to her home community at the same time.

Laura Brookshire grew up gardening in the mountains of western North Carolina. She completed her Bachelors in Environmental Studies and Biology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill while working on a small vegetable and fruit producing farm. She moved back to western NC to live on a heritage poultry farm and to complete two terms of AmeriCorps at the Polk County Office of Agricultural Economic Development and Mill Spring Agricultural Development and Community Center. Laura is coming to us from Boone, NC where she is working on her Masters in Appalachian Studies and Public Administration at Appalachian State University. She is excited to live and garden in the mountains of Kentucky while working with the Grow Appalachia program at the Lend-A-Hand Center. She is looking forward to working closely with members of the community to expand gardening and market opportunities in the Stinking Creek area.

Hannah, Laura, and Kathryn with their tiller, Alice, at the Barbourville Community Garden.

Hannah, Laura, and Kathryn with their tiller, Alice, at the Barbourville Community Garden.