Promoting the Benefits of Nature

In September MGVs sponsored a Building Healthy Communities through Nature program led by Horticultural Therapist Esther Gieschen, from the University of Wisconsin – Superior, Continuing Education, who explained the beneficial connections between humans and nature, as well as some of the scientific research that has been done in the past half-century verifying the observed benefits. Thirty members of the public participated in a hands-on workshop with lively discussion.

Teaching Kids about Container Gardening

MGVs instructed Hurley School 3rd graders in container gardening. During this program, co- sponsored with the Hurley K-12 School, the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, and UW-Extension, local students were guided in planting 64 flower barrels which were placed along Silver Street, Hurley’s main thoroughfare. This provided positive interactions between the kids and local officials, such as the Mayor, Hurley Chief of Police and Sheriff, who volunteered to assist the children.

Downtown Park Enhances Community

MGVs maintain the Downtown Pocket Park in Ironwood, MI. The park provides an inviting downtown location for people to use on their lunch breaks or tired shoppers to have a place to sit and enjoy the flowers and birds. Many wedding parties use the park for photographic sessions. Volunteers plant, weed and feed the varied plantings that make for a full season of blooms.