The first 2,000 adults will receive a “Fightin the Spotted Lanternfly” t-shirt
(READING, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced the return of Agriculture Appreciation Night on Tuesday, July 23rd at FirstEnergy Stadium, in support of the local agriculture community. The Fightin Phils will be hosting a doubleheader against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
The first 2,000 adults in attendance will receive an America’s Classic Ballpark “Fightin the Spotted Lanternfly” t-shirt, presented by Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting and Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery.
Since 2014, the spotted lanternfly has threatened Pennsylvania’s grape, fruit tree, and logging industries, and has been a threat to the local wine industry due to its negative impact on grapes.
“Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery has been proudly growing grapes and producing wine in Pennsylvania for the past 34 years. This business is not only our livelihood, but it is our passion,” said Kari Skrip, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. “We have six vineyards located in Lehigh and Berks counties, and the lanternfly has created a serious threat to our vineyards.
“While we haven’t experienced any direct damage to our vines, we have witnessed large populations of this invasive pest in our vineyards. We are appreciative of the support and concern to help us fight the lanternfly, so Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery can bring you premium Pennsylvania wines for years to come.”
Clover Hill and Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting will both have information tables set up in the VIST Bank plaza. Clover Hill will be offering wine tastings between games.
State Senator Judy Schwank will be on hand and will have a table set up in the VIST Bank Plaza, and will also host a lanternfly informative session on the field between games along with Skrip and Lori Anewalt from Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting.
“The spotted lanternfly is a serious problem and is having a huge impact on our communities and on our farmers,” Schwank said. “Everybody needs to be engaged on this issue.”
“Although beautiful, the spotted lanternfly can do immeasurable damage to our local and greater community,” said Anewalt, owner of Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting. “We are deeply concerned about the future of the fruit industry, especially that of Clover Hill Winery, as they are close family of the Anewalt’s.”
Adult lanternflies have a black head and grayish wings with black spots, and a body that appears to glow red.
The Pennsylvannia Department of Agriculture has three steps to eradicate the spotted lanternfly – kill them, scrape the eggs off your trees, and if you are in a new area, report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing [email protected] or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189.
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