University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners recently cut three huge watermelons from the gardens at Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve, 631 Willoughby Lane in Collinsville. The heaviest melon weighed about 80 pounds.
The Master Gardeners have been cultivating the land at Willoughby Farm for years. Usable produce is donated to the Collinsville Area Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, located at the First United Presbyterian Church in Uptown Collinsville.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer during Wednesday Workdays, held weekly from 9 a.m. to noon.
Locals can also purchase homemade and home grown items from area vendors at the Farm during Market Days, 4-7 p.m. every Wednesday now though September 29.
Willoughby Farm is a facility of the Collinsville Area Recreation District. For more information about Willoughby Farm, visit www.CollinsvilleRec.com.
