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Photo Credit
Site of the 2012 Symposium Fayetteville, Arkansas
2011 Winner 50,001-150,000 Population Category
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"Fit Forest" Program Offers Significant ROI
 The city of Elgin, Illinois had a problem. They had nearly 50,000 trees, 800 of which were considered hazardous, and no money to care for them. With a recently vacated city forester position, the tree-care duty fell to the parks superintendent. So how did he solve the problem? He formed partnerships and secured grant money to assess and remedy the situation. After a formal appraisal, and development of the tree benefit calculator itreetools.org, the U.S. Forest Service found the 49,583 trees to be valued at $72 million. They also determined that for every dollar invested in tree-care, the city saw a $4.61 return on investment. Click here to read more. |
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Survey Shows Community Beautification Cuts Crime
 A survey conducted by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) of 230 Britain in Bloom and It's Your Neighborhood groups, revealed that half of the communities thought the programs had reduced crime and anti-social behavior, and 40 percent said their local environment was safer. But that's not all; the respondents also touted the benefits of bringing their local communities together as well as boosting their sense of civic pride. Click here to read more. |
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U.S. Forest Service Solicits Pre-Proposals for Urban Forest Innovation Grants
 Through the U.S. Forest Service's competitive Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council is offering Innovation Grants for program development, research, and collaboration to address the following three strategic priority issues at a national or multi-state level: Climate Change, Public Health, and Economic Development. The Council seeks proposals from organizations, agencies, and partnerships to fund innovative projects that will demonstrate the reach, resources, and expertise needed to address the three priority issues in ways that will lead to meaningful, replicable results. For more information on the RFP requirements, please click here. |
Spreading the News
By Evelyn Alemanni, AIB Board Member
 The last month brought a flurry of media activity as participating America in Bloom(AIB) towns have spread the word about news of their awards and results. In addition, lots of towns have been posting their information on their Facebook page or web site(s). Working with your local media is a great way to build involvement in your local AIB program. It lets people know about your projects, progress, and most important, how to get involved. If you're wondering how to get started working with the media, check your local newspaper. These days, most articles have a phone number and e-mail address for reporters. In addition, AIB has provided each participating town with a media list. Give them a friendly call and tell them what's new, or send a brief email. Click here to view the large amount of press that the AIB program has generated in participating communities. |
It's Time to Give Thanks
By Marvin Miller, AIB President
 The Thanksgiving season is upon us, and it seems only appropriate to thank everyone in the America in Bloom(AIB) family for all of their volunteer efforts which allow us to plant pride in our communities. Certainly, kudos are well deserved in city after city to all of the volunteers who help make the AIB experience what it is coast-to-coast. We are an all-volunteer organization, and it is through the passionate efforts of all of our volunteers that we continue to make our country a better place to live, one community at a time. Click here to read more. |
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Get in on the Excitement & Community-Building Momentum
 It's time to register your community to participate in the 2012 America in Bloom contest. The deadline to register is February 28, BUT if you register by December 31 we'll give you a FREE "Best Ideas Book" ($25 retail value) that outlines the best ideas from AIB cities over the years.
To learn more about the contest, the benefits of participation, and how to make the most of your experience, click here. |
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| Connect with America in Bloom | |
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| Featured Stewards | |
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Evelyn Alemanni |
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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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