Friday October 2, 2009
Brightside awarded NatureScape grants to area nonprofit groups for a variety of beautification projects today. Winning proposals include school gardens, tree replacement programs for area devastated by the wind and ice storms, and beautification projects.
Neighborhood groups, suburban cities, schools and nonprofit organizations apply for Brightside’s NatureScape grants in the spring and fall of each year to obtain funds for beautification or community garden projects.
The total amount funded this fall is $7,800, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 each. In the past, Brightside awarded 12 groups per grant cycle with funding totaling $12,500. Due to agency budget cuts, only 6 organizations received funding this fall.
“Brightside's NatureScape grants provide unique opportunities for residents to work together to beautify and enhance their community,” said Cynthia Knapek, Brightside Executive Director. “Playing an active role in the projects empower citizens to make a difference.”
Brightside’s NatureScape grants are funded entirely through private donations, including sponsorship from YUM! Brands. “Thanks to YUM! Brands, the schools awarded today will create gardens that provide both educational opportunities, as well as healthy vegetables for a majority of students living at or below the poverty level” Knapek said.
Brightside’s Spring NatureScape deadline is March 31, 2010. Groups interested in applying for NatureScape Grants should call Brightside at 574-2613 or visit www.brightsideinc.org for an application.
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Brightside’s NatureScape Grant Awards
Brightside’s NatureScape Grants are funded by Brightside donors.
* New for 2009 -- Community Garden projects are sponsored by YUM! Brands
The following gardens have been funded thanks to the generosity of YUM! Brands
*Portland Elementary School Funded - $1,000
Portland Elementary School, a new environmental magnet school with Jefferson County Public Schools, will build three raised beds to begin their community garden. Students from grades K-5 will be active participants in the process from prepping the beds to planting, growing, tending, and harvesting the fruits and vegetables grown. The goal of the program is to show the students – the majority of whom live at or below the poverty level - the benefits of growing their own food as a source of nutrition that will improve their health now and for many years to come.
District 5
*Whitney Young Elementary School Funded - $1,000
Whitney Young Elementary School will create an outdoor classroom and vegetable garden for students by building raised beds and creating a compost area. Each bed will be tied to a particular grade level’s curriculum, allowing students to learn about all aspects of gardening including plant life cycles, erosion, soil nutrients, and decomposition. The program will help students learn to cultivate fruits and vegetables as well as the value of fresh food consumption.
District 5
The following projects have been funded thanks to the generosity of Brightside donors
Auburndale Neighborhood Association Funded - $1,300
The Auburndale Neighborhood Association will beautify the entrance to Merlyn Acre subdivision. Plans include planting flowering pear and cherry trees, along with a mixture of perennials and annuals, arborvitae, and loriope. The newly formed Auburndale Neighborhood Association hopes to make the entrance more welcoming and encourage neighbors to get involved as the Association continues working on projects to improve their community.
Districts 13 & 25
Dorsey Station Condo Association Funded - $1,500
Dorsey Station Condo Association will replant trees lost during the ice and wind storms of 2008. Tree planting along the property on both Dorsey Lane and Shelbyville Road will happen with the help of students from the Seneca High School Drama Club who are volunteering their time for this project.
District 18
Old Louisville Information Center Funded - $1,500
This project will help reforest Central Park, which lost many large trees during the ice and wind storms of 2008. Originally designed as place for relaxation and nature in the middle of an urban neighborhood, the Old Louisville Information Center will plant indigenous trees such as the overcup oak, buckeye, and tulip poplar to name a few. A nimble cadre of volunteers from many organizations within Old Louisville will come together to help with the installation and maintenance of the new trees.
District 6
St. John United Church of Christ Funded - $1,500
St. John United Church of Christ will provide an ecologically sustainable green space at the church in the East Market area. Working with Boy Scout Troop 4019, St. John’s will improve the landscaping surrounding their sign, plant new shrubbery along Clay Street, and place large pots planted with seasonal flowers at the entrance to the church, parish house, and educational building. A member of the East Market neighborhood since 1866, St. John’s is excited to participate in the revitalization of the neighborhood.
District 4
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Media Contacts:
Rebecca Brenzel, 574-2673
Cynthia Knapek, 574-3613 / 376-9936