Photo Credit
McCall, Idaho
2012 Winner - Under 3,000 Population Category




A Great Example of Community Collaboration
By AIB Judge, Diane Clasen

In Mason, Ohio the Mason Tree Committee and Mason in Bloom collaborated last month combining Arbor Day and Earth Day festivities. The first 300 finishers in the community's 1K and 5K "Run for the Shade" race received tree seedlings, which the Mason Tree Committee had donated, and signed a giant poster with their tree- and earth-friendly thoughts. After the run, a large commemorative Arbor Day tree was planted. The tree planting was also followed by tree- and earth-friendly activities.

We hope you took part in your local Arbor Day celebration and consider becoming a "Tree City USA" community, too. Additional information is available at www.arborday.org 


TREES Act Introduced in Congress

America in Bloom cosigned a letter to John Boehner (R-Ohio) in support of The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act that was introduced in Congress earlier this month. The legislation aims to reduce residential energy consumption and costs through strategically planting residential shade trees nationwide. The Act would establish a grant program to assist local utilities in developing and implementing conservation programs that encourage residential tree planting, and incentives to partner with local non-profit groups.

 


Recycle Your Plastic Plant Container

Did you know that most curbside recycling programs won't accept plastic plant containers like pots and hanging baskets? So what can you do? Take them to your local Lowe's. Their new nationwide garden center recycling program allows you to recycle your plastic plant containers whether you purchased your plants from Lowe's or not. In addition, check with local independent garden centers in your community to see if they have a recycling program.

Click here to read more.

Planting Pride Photo Contest Deadline Approaching 

Photographers can showcase their talents by participating in the first-ever "Planting Pride Photo Contest: Capturing the Spirit of America in Bloom." This contest, sponsored by America in Bloom and GIE Media, will showcase efforts to beautify and improve communities. Photos will be categorized into seven criteria: floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts, heritage preservation, overall impression, and community involvement.

The deadline for entry is June 1, 2013. Public online voting will take place from June 2 - August 31. The winners will be recognized during the 2013 AIB Symposium & Awards, September 19-21 in Orlando, Florida.

Click here for more information and to submit your photos online.


AIB Gets High Marks in Westlake, Ohio 

Last month, Bob Perry retired from his position as planning director for the city of Westlake, but before he bid farewell he listed Westlake's top 10 projects over the last 25 years. Guess which program made it into the number nine spot?            
 
Click here to read more.

Maryland Governor Signs Landmark Forest Preservation Law  

Governor Martin O'Malley has signed into law ground-breaking legislation that recognizes the value of preserving and caring for forest land and the urban tree canopy. The Forest Preservation Act of 2013 (HB 706) includes a "no-net-loss of forest" policy-maintaining the current state's 40 percent tree canopy. It also establishes incentives and reforestation tools to help private landowners, local governments, and the state improve water quality and support community sustainability through forests and trees.
 
Click here to read more.

Volunteerism, Transformation, and Rejuvenation
By Marvin Miller, AIB President 

I often get asked why a city should enter the America in Bloom program. It is as if the questioner is asking what the payback will be for the city. And while cities differ in their approaches, I often think of a few key words in my responses.

Certainly, volunteerism has to be at the top of the list. In community after community, we are told that our America in Bloom program really has inspired citizens to turn out, to roll up their sleeves, and to contribute countless hours for the public good.

Click here to read more.

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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, [email protected]