America in Bloom - Planting Pride in Your Community
Photo Credit
Echo, Oregon
2010 Winner Under 2,000 Population Category



Nature Walk = Improved Cognitive Performance

New research shows that taking a nature walk when you're feeling stressed at work results in a significant boost in cognitive performance. In fact, study subjects showed a 20 percent boost in performance on memory and attention tests after a walk through an arboretum. Those same subjects, when asked to walk down a busy city street showed no boost in performance at all. Can't find green space near your office? Don't worry, the study also notes that quieter city streets with interesting natural elements to look at, such as containers of plants, could also do the trick.

Click here to read more.

Are You Proud of Your Town?

"The Nate Berkus Show" is looking for your town's "hidden gems." Whether it's your favorite hangout, sandwich shop, or park, they want to know about it. Submit photos of your town and show the world what the AIB program has done for your community.

Click here to visit www.thenateshow.com, create an account, and start submitting your photos today.

It's Our Anniversary and We Want You to Be There!

More than 200 people are expected to gather in our nation's capital from October 6-8, 2011 to learn, be inspired, and celebrate 10 years of America in Bloom. If you're interested in making your community a better place to live you can and should make the trip!

From stellar educational sessions to tours of community spaces and public gardens throughout Washington D.C. you're sure to take home a ton of ideas to improve life in your community.

And remember, it's not limited to AIB participants, anyone can attend.

Click here for more information and to register.

Life's Balance
By Marvin Miller, AIB President

The balance of life is probably not understood by most species, even if they're part of it. And in reality, part of the circle of life goes unseen. In the desert, cacti, known as being efficient users of water, can also be a water source in an emergency. Some cacti provide protection for animals. Hares, small rodents, and other burrowing creatures often build homes near patches of cacti in hopes that the cactus spines will help thwart predators. And after all of that, cacti also produce oxygen and fix carbon, the part of the circle of life that remains hidden to most.

Click here to read more.

Save Money! Share a Hotel Room at the AIB Symposium

Want to go to the AIB Symposium but need to watch your budget? There is a female symposium attendee who would also like to save some money and is willing to share a hotel room during the event.

If interested, contact AIB's Laura Kunkle so she can get you connected.
 


The New Improved 2012 Evaluation Form - You Asked, We Listened!

Register now for the next FREE American in Bloom webinar "The New Improved 2012 Evaluation" Form on November 15 from 2 - 2:30 p.m. EST.

Many of our AIB communities have made recommendations over the past 10 years as to ways to improve and simplify the AIB evaluation form. Join us as Jack Clasen, chair of the judging committee, and
Diana K. Weiner, AIB judge, explain what using the new form means to your town.

Click here to register.

American Garden Award Extends the Voting Season  


Due to popular request, American Garden Award has decided to extend its voting through the end of September. Most of the 24 participating public gardens will keep all 7 entries (produced from both seed and vegetative cuttings) on display until September 30. The gardening public can visit any of the participating gardens, choose their favorite, and vote by texting a given code to a polling number or by using the postage-paid postcards located at most of the gardens.

Those unable to visit one of the American Garden Award Display Gardens can click here to cast their vote.
 


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Find America in Bloom on the web at www.americainbloom.org.
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