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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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Officials Look to Urban Gardens to Combat Decay
 Amid acres of vacant, abandoned buildings and debris-strewn lots, flowers rise within the ruins of 20th century industrial America. So do tomatoes, kale, corn, and carrots. In Cleveland, Ohio, urban gardens flourish while the city founders. Neighborhoods once teeming with immigrants who toiled in factories and African-Americans who headed north in the last century searching for better lives now go wanting for people.
What to do? Other American cities facing the same problems are turning themselves back to nature, recreating and repositioning themselves for the 21st century. Read the full article. |
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Flowers and Community Spirit Bloom in Westfield
"It's great to have national judges with a lot of experience come to our community to give their objective viewpoint regarding the things we're doing well and what we could do better," said Downtown Westfield (New Jeresey) Corporation Executive Director Sherry Cronin (pictured left with AIB judges Marlboro Packard and Bruce Riggs, and David Williams). She added, "This year, it's all about doing more with less. We tried to get very creative and do more with less."
David Williams who helped lead the effort in Westfield remarked that through his involvement, "I've discovered a lot of about the town" even though he has lived in Westfield all of his life. "It has been such a learning experience. You don't realize the incredible stuff volunteers have done for the town. There are so many people in the town giving back to Westfield."
Read the full article and then visit the America in Bloom web site for more information. |
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Looking for Grants?
 Have you visited AIB's resource area of the web site? There are over 40 grants listed on the Grant Opportunties page of the Community Resource area of the web site. Check it out today! Here's an upcoming deadline:July 30 is the deadline for applications for the National Education Association's Green Across America grants, sponsored by Target. Teachers can apply for up to $1,000 to help implement an innovative education program, activity, lesson, or event to excite students about going green, caring for the earth, and creating a sustainable future. Sounds like a good opportunity for some garden-related lessons. You can find out more at www.neamb.com/green. |
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An Unusual Alliance Between Schools and Private Business Spurs the Development of School Gardens
Bill Vanderberg, dean of students at Crenshaw High (Los Angles, California), plans to use the school garden as a vehicle for learning. He hopes to faciliatate an agreement where the students trade their herbs for pizza. Restauranters Ben Ford and Akasha Richmond have used their connections to secure soil, seed, and supplies from local farms and nurseries, and food and refreshments for the volunteers from several local restaurants. In total, the two have spent only about $200 on the garden thus far.
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Benefits, Books, Grants and Ideas
By Marvin Miller, AIB President
 At a recent Cornell University conference examining the horticulture industry's environmental impact, more than one speaker mentioned America in Bloom and noted how the program was raising industry awareness among cities, citizens, and public officials.
I was particularly gratified to hear two speakers mention the "Community Resources" section of the AIB web site. The information collected here is not only aimed at helping cities with their AIB programs, but it also has turned into a tremendous resource for many looking for reasons to justify their involvement with plants. Read more. |
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Gateways, Gardens, and Grandeur at the AIB Symposium
This year's AIB Symposium & Awards 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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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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