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West Mackinac Garden Club

By Julie Freeman
February 2000

The West Mackinac Garden Club of Engadine and Naubinway, a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, has been awarded an incentive grant of $250. To be used for the Naubinway Beautification Project.

This incentive grant is part of the PETALS program (Protect the Environment Through Action, Learning and Service), a two year program of environmental projects, co-sponsored by the National Council of State Garden Clubs and Shell Oil Company. The goal of this program is to encourage local clubs to initiate environmental projects, which might not be possible without a grant.

Michigan received $4, 975. For a total of 16 projects. Nationwide 391 member clubs received a total of $131, 675 for their projects. The proposed projects dealt with conservation, environmental issues or community improvements.

The West Mackinac Garden Club and the Garfield Township Beautification Committee worked together to enhance the berms along U.S.2 in Naubinway. Fifty volunteers came out last May to rototill, haul wood hcips, fertilize, pull weeds and plant bushes and petunias. Garfield Township donated the petunias and local businesses and community groups donated the bushes. Later in the season 200 Day Lilies were planted (donated by the Alden’s, Day Lily growers). In the fall the volunteers came out again to plant 1,000 Daffodil bulbs, some Gallardia and Rudbeckia, All summer the berms were weeded and watered by Garden Club members and other volunteers.  

Everyone who helped with this project from planning to rototilling, to hauling chips, to planting, weeding and watering were greatly appreciated. This project was truly a huge undertaking for a small Garden Club and the community. To tackle nine berms is a credit to these volunteers from Naubinway and Engadine.

This grant will enable them to finish planting the Gallardia and Rudbeckia this year. They will again need volunteers on May 17 to plant petunias and the perennials. Everyone, young and old are welcome to participate. They are very proud of the communities they live in!

In the photo from left to right, Linnea Ault President, Janis Butkovich treasurer and Marcia Waters Vice President receiving the incentive grant to be used for the Naubinway Beautification Project.