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 April 21, 2010
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America in Bloom
Planting Pride in Your Community | |
Photo Credit
Lompoc Valley, California
2009 50,001-100,000 Population Category Winner
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Preserving Parks Without Wiping Out the Budget
In this tough
economy, budgets for ball fields are being squeezed like every other area of
parks and recreation. Because of this stress and an immediate need to make
changes, parks departments are devising clever ways to cut costs while
sustaining high maintenance standards for the community.
In Tucson, Arizona, the parks and recreation department
lost 10 percent of its budget in the last two years with more cuts coming. In
Bloomington, Indiana (an AIB participating community), budget challenges started five years
ago. The department first saw a 20-percent cut after eight years of sound
budgeting. The limited funds began to shift from parks to other city
departments. Read the full article for suggestions on how to trim the budget while maintaining green space.
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Involved in Youth Gardening? Sign Up for the Green Thumb Challenge for a Chance at a $5,000 Grant
The Green Thumb Challenge aims to connect children
with nature and the healthy benefits of gardening as part of a nationwide
movement to get kids growing. Green Education Foundation, the sponsoring organization, provides participants with beginner-friendly
resources to plant gardens of any size, as well as fun activities and
standards-based lessons linking the classroom to the garden. Whether sowing
seeds during one class period, planting bulbs in one afternoon, or planning an
outdoor garden that comes back year after year, teachers and students can be
part of this exciting event.
All participants
receive a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase at Lowe's, and the opportunity to be
awarded a $5,000 grant in recognition of their garden project. Over $10,000
worth of prizes have already been awarded to Green Thumb Challenge participants,
courtesy of program sponsors. Get started today!
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Teens 4 Good Program Grows Produce for Local Restaurants and Public Sales
The Teens 4 Good program is a branch of the Federation of Neighborhood
Centers that allows
Philadelphia teens to turn vacant lots into edible gardens. As a result, the program sells fresh produce to local restaurants and the public. The program not only brings
healthy food to local communities, but it provides jobs for at-risk youth in the city. Read the full article.
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Need Help with Urban Forestry? Consider "Branching Out"
By Dr. Leonard Perry, AIB Judge
Branch Out Burlingtonis a non-profit organization in
Burlington, Vermont whose goal is "to promote a vision of a city graced by
a variety of beautiful and healthy trees, and a citizenry actively involved
with the perpetual expansion and preservation of our urban forest."
This volunteer group manages a small
tree nursery for the city on land provided by the Horticulture Research Center
of the University of Vermont. This way
the city has replacement trees of their choice, when needed, on land they
wouldn't have available otherwise.
Support comes from an annual tree sale, state agencies, tree-funding programs, and private
donations. In addition to the tree sale, the group hosts lectures,
maintains green spaces in the city, and coordinates a "tree
keeper" program in which citizens are trained in maintenance and
pest topics in order to assist the city with street trees in their own
neighborhoods.
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Renewal
By Marvin Miller, AIB President
In
many ways, spring is the start of the year. After winter's challenges for our
landscapes and, perhaps, our souls, the greening of the grass, the swelling of
the buds, the first garden or woodland blooms yield a bit of renewal.
In similar ways, our America in Bloom cycle takes off
with spring's arrival. In many communities, litter pick-ups, spring cleaning, and
planting new trees, shrubs and flowers, all signals of spring, herald that
cities are putting out the welcome mats for citizens and visitors. Read more. |
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Gateways, Gardens, and Grandeur at the AIB Symposium
This year's AIB Awards Education and Awards Symposium will be in St. Louis, Missouri,
September 30-October 2. Mark your calendars for this unique learning
opportunity designed to educate, motivate, and inspire. The symposium is open to everyone, not just for contest participants. If you are interested in beautifying and celebrating your community you should attend! For details on the educational sessions and tours visit the AIB web site, www.americainbloom.org.
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| Connect with America in Bloom |
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Have a story to share? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about AIB activities in your
community, or let us know about a community you have visited that
should get involved with AIB. E-mail your story to Laura Kunkle, LKunkle@ofa.org.
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