Charitable Projects Decision Time
Anne Ginn and Kate Stenson
The Charitable Projects Committee of The Shaker Lakes Garden Club is pleased to offer the top two choices of projects received in this 2017-2018 fiscal year. One of these proposals will receive the largest grant.
We were sent many terrific choices and are thankful to those members who brought projects forward for our consideration. We ask that members vote in April, either at the membership meeting or online.
As always, we look for proposals that support local programs and projects in the area of horticulture, conservation, education, scholarship and the beautification of the environment.
Onaway/Lomond Native Gardening Club
Mission: To have students take an active role in growing plants and designing habitat native to our region and create partnerships within the community to educate others on the need for preservation.
History: The Garden Clubs of Onaway and Lomond are entering their second year. The students learn through guided inquiry about our local ecosystem and “adopt” native birds and butterflies to support the flowers, shrubs, vines and trees endemic to our region. Our clubs serve over 100 children across two buildings and we work on a ten-class cycle that culminates in a handful of planting dates in April and May.
Proposal: The Onaway/Lomond Garden Club is asking for monies to purchase plants (one plant for each student, chosen by them) and proper signage to educate the community. Our goal is to nurture thoughtful citizens who think critically. We teach basic gardening skills and foster the idea of creating a habitat. The students gain ownership of the shared public space and a sustainable legacy is left for the future.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Organizational Mission: To provide the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration.
History: The Conservancy was created in 2006 by the largest-ever merger of land trusts when eight land trusts joined forces, then grew with the addition of three land trusts to become the largest land trust in Ohio.
Proposal: The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is seeking funding from SLGC to conduct a Tree Steward Training at East End Neighborhood House and Tree Planting at Ubuntu Park in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood. The Tree Steward program is a model for educating and engaging residents (largely minority and low-income) on the benefits of trees and creating tree stewardship activities to collectively have a positive impact on the environment and increase climate resiliency throughout Cleveland. To date, the program has had 185 graduates.
Ubuntu Park is a project of the East End Neighborhood House and is designed to be a place where people can come to gather with one another and to be in a community together. Construction of the park is expected to begin later this year and funding from SLGC would fund both the steward training and the trees. This training is open to neighborhood residents and interested volunteers. Following the training, a planting day will take place where 15 trees will be planted on the site.
Click here for the ballot and return to Anne Ginn or Kate Stenson.
