Nov 18, 2014

America in Bloom, CN Announce Grant Recipients for Community Greening Products

The recipients of grants for the CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program were announced by CN and America in Bloom.

Four communities were selected to receive grants that amounted to $85,790, with recipients matching the grants from additional local investments bringing the total to more than $200,00 in landscaping and landscape services.

This is the program’s first year in the U.S., and has a goal of creating sustainable community greening and beautification projects that will contribute to each community’s environmental, economic, social and health benefits.

Grants were awarded based on planned positive outcomes in the community, strong community engagement and long term sustainability plantings.

The recipients were as follows:

• Hammond, Louisiana – $25,000; Funds will be used to purchase Bald Cypresses, Crape Myrtles, Yaupon Hollies, Live Oaks, Magnolias, Maples, and Swamp Chestnut Oaks for installation along Morrison Boulevard and in Mooney Park.
• Independence, Louisiana – $12,290; Funds will be used to incorporate landscaping in a 1,300-square foot block to integrate a historic train station now used as a police department and senior citizens center, and an open air community pavilion.
• Woodhaven, Michigan – $25,000; funds will be used to complete the city’s Veterans Memorial Park to include new plant materials.
• Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, IL – $23,500; Funds will be used to establish a 13,000-square foot perennial floral display for visitors to enjoy on arboretum grounds and to enhance perennial plantings in other public landscapes.

For more information, or to apply for an upcoming grant, visit www.AmericanBloom.org/CN.